COMP

Kiiaru

Except my fucking COMP

Minimum_Training_923

What do you guys think about CRV, SNX, SUSHI, COMP, WAVES, NEAR, KP3R? It’s what my (modest) portfolio consists of.

Vivid-Protection5194

Is COMP still a promising project? Why is no one talking about it?

HaXr_L33T

Glad to hear that. I have some even smaller amounts of OGN, BNT, COMP, SUSHI, POND, FIL, LCX as well

jellyvish

how do yall feel about COMP? it’s currently one of my highest returning coins but it’s also the one i have the least amount of money in… tons of room until ath… worth buying more?

StarbugI

I had all of those and rotated all but ALGO into other investments last year. But I still have ALGO, MANA, XTZ and COMP weighing me down. At least my ADA is in the green (just). Do you remember all those ‘rate my portfolio’ posts during the last bull run. I’d be embarrassed to put mine up at the moment 😂

coinfeeds-bot

tldr; The article discusses a calculator created for Compound.Finance, a DeFi lending platform that allows users to lend and borrow cryptocurrency. The calculator helps estimate future earnings based on initial investment, APR, and time, despite the APR's instability. Compound.Finance operates by pooling assets in smart contracts, enabling direct interactions between lenders and borrowers without intermediaries. It offers features like earning interest on deposits, borrowing against collateral, and yield farming with COMP tokens. The platform's interest rates vary based on asset liquidity, and while it doesn't charge for deposits or withdrawals, transaction fees apply. *This summary is auto generated by a bot and not meant to replace reading the original article. As always, DYOR.

CarltonFrater

It really isn’t that hard. I’ve made over $50k in airdrops, going from UNI, ENS, COMP, ARB, etc… now I’m just finding out in eligible for two airdrops in the Solana ecosystem, Kamino Finance and Parcl. Hell, just yesterday I found out I received an airdrop from Opendollar, an arbitrum project I found interesting. Just research new and upcoming L2s or L1s, and interact with protocols which do not have a token but have some traction. That way there is less chance of “rug” or “scam”. You should also have one or two wallets dedicated to airdrops, because you’re going to want to keep the same wallet and use that over and over again.

onthefront206

so BTC only? i have to admit its something ive thought about for awhile ive had as many as 15 different coins at once and now im down to 4 BTC SOL DOT COMP

DAMG808

BTC, ETH, INJ, COMP with a sprinkle of MOONS

DAMG808

Scooping up some ETH and COMP to keep that bag growing. Too juicy those prices.

robtimist

>* Compound (COMP) is an Ethereum token that governs the autonomous Compound protocol. The protocol allows anyone to borrow and lend Ethereum tokens through a decentralized market. Lenders earn interest on the crypto they supply to the protocol and borrowers pay interest to borrow it.*

robtimist

Been buying some more ADA & COMP. And always buying BTC. Honest living, yknow.

Successful_Craft3076

If this bear market told me one thing, is not to trust the media and the hype around coins. Coins which actually did good, were not in the mainstream news, and the green part of my portfolio consists of coins like MKR and COMP which at that time no one knew. I have a feeling we are always behind the market. When we rush to buy that great alt, it is already in decline.

ThrowawayHoper

COMP is pumping, congrats to anyone with heavier bags today ;)

RariCalamari

I bought a starting position and looking to add more in the coming months. Got KAS, HIFI Finance, COMP, INJ, SPACE ID, ONT, WAVES, REQ, HIGH and OCEAN.

No_Royal5554

I would rather invest it in $COMP ,$800 would get you 19,5 comp tokens or 0.0306 BTC ,if we go by their ATH ,with $800 in $COMP you would make over $15k and $800 in $BTC you would make less than $2000 (sept 25 2023)

ThrowawayHoper

If it’s of interest that would mean a market cap of ~$373.5mil, ranking MOONS 82nd by cap! Beating out COMP, CRV and CAKE as a few examples. As an aside, it’d also beat LUNC which is *somehow* 87th by cap despite having a price of 0.00006… 😭 the market is not logical

no_choice99

I am in a BTC/COMP LP since over 2 years now. Down about 250 USD (started at around 300 USD), the rewards in APR were above 13 percent when I entered. Got less than 20 USD worth of rewards. I got decimated, because comp went down from around 500 usd to 40 usd, and btc lost about half its value. It's not a given at all to overcome the IL.

FlowersforAlgorand

I bought a pretty big bag of Maker right at the bottom of all that FUD, and after the first initial spike I sold. Made a quick profit but if I held it would have been so much better. The worst part is I ended up putting some of the funds from that into the last COMP run, so now I'm left holding on that one. Oh well...lol.

hanidft

DeFi is ready, most DeFi protocols are fully ready to take charge, the major problem is adoption. Astradao, MRK, COMP, and Cryptmi among others are worth exploring.

you_cant_see_me2050

My top options in the DeFi industry are CRV, COMP, and Maker. I'm also interested in AI-related tokens. Fetch AI, AGIX, and Fluid AI (smart order routing, AI-driven liquidity aggregations, and prediction model) are on my watchlist. From the RWA industry, Centrifuge is on my watchlist. It's a DeFi platform that uses RWAs to collateralize loans. This allows borrowers to access liquidity without having to sell their assets, and it can also help to reduce the risk of default.

pokeholo23

Did mention to someone not long ago that COMP could go longer. He said it was gonna go up

MaxSmart1981

COMP about to slide out of the top 100

hanidft

Truly DeFi is here to stay, and way better than Tradfi, but the truth is we need both to work together at some point to get the adoption needed enough for users to decide on what to stick with. DeFi protocols like MRK, COMP, AAVE, AstraDao, etc are truly remarkable, with great products that are beneficial to all.

dagilisek

Yes, there is. Most tokens /coins have a percentage of tokens from the total supply to the team, which is usually locked up for a period of time. That being said I feel most DeFi protocols deserve that, especially COMP, MRK, AstraDao etc

MichaelAischmann

No. I think community funds are not supposed to mitigate the risk of Liquidity providers. In a way, liquidity providers allow others to sell their Moons. That you may not end up with as much money as if you kept the Moons is something you need to be aware of when you enter a pool. Also it it *impermanent* loss: if ETH matches Moons recent price moves LP providers are laughing six ways to Sunday. All in all it is their decision to enter the risk & not the communities job to pull them out of the consequences. Earned fees are not socialized, only the risk. ​ NB: I find it interesting when people reply to a comment without referring to what is said in it, so let me ask you: Do you feel CCIP 51 has not worked or is no longer working? The APR right now is almost 60%. Do acknowledge that larger governance tokens such as UNI, MKR or (COMP) need no rewards to get their greater liquidity and use only fees as incentive?

pokeholo23

COMP can fall back allot more and ARB needs to hold 1$ or the same happens

One-Text-4647

A lot of alts seem to have bottomed. ADA AAVE ARB COMP

millennial-snowflake

I'm thinking about adding UNI for some extra defi exposure but considering other coins as well like AAVE and COMP.

coinfeeds-bot

tldr; DeFi blue chips MKR and COMP are standing out in the current Bitcoin season, with their price rallies driven by fundamental development progress rather than market-wide news. The DeFi Blue-Chips Index market capitalization has increased by 39.7% between June 2023 and now. While altcoins have failed to outperform BTC, MKR and COMP have emerged as outliers, driving the DeFi Blue-Chips Index higher. The performance of these tokens is attributed to their project fundamentals, such as the COMP founder and CEO leaving the project and MakerDAO's buyback program. *This summary is auto generated by a bot and not meant to replace reading the original article. As always, DYOR.*

abesWaves

Some of todays biggest losers are DeFi related cryptocurrencies, including COMP, CRV, AAVE.

Candycanestar

It’s a great question(: it looks like u/DBRiMatt answered a good answer. Like he said, there are tokens and coins on their own network. A coin is a crypto native to its own blockchain. Like Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum. These each have their own network. Then there are tokens like UNI (Uniswap), COMP (Compound), MANA (Decentraland), and so on that are built on another blockchain. In these three tokens case, built on Ethereum. If that helps? I know layers and all these terms can be confusing. I’ve been here two and a half years and how some of these networks function is still something I don’t understand(: And welcome to the sub if you’re new too! I learned a lot about crypto just by asking questions when I thought of them in here. You may not gain the best financial advice in here, but you will get lots of amazing answers about what things are! Never share your seedphrase or private key with anyone in DMs or anything at all haha!

bomberdual

Man I didn't grab all my COMP when it was 800 due to all the goddamn gas fees

PayPerTrade

Radiant Capital (RDNT) can easily reach AAVE or COMP market cap. I see Injective Protocol (INJ) following in the path of SOL in 2020-21

Kiiaru

COMP is on fire lately but I haven't heard any reasons for it. Is it because of the XRP case or because their close ties with Coinbase?

MaxSmart1981

Thanks to COMP for helping my bags look a little better today

ChainsofCastamere

Yeah they were pretty good when interest rates were low, and they paid bonuses in their token. COMP price crashed though, so unless you sold that at the right time, returns were good but not amazing.

dubski04021

BTC, ETH, ATOM, COMP, MATIC….those are my big bags and I’m stoked for the next run

pokeholo23

if BCH and i think the other was COMP can rise 100% in 7 days then I'm sure XRP can do better in 7 days.

iamjide91

COMP is performing well, it's still got over 1200% to reach its all-time high. It made a new high just two weeks ago. I hope it keeps this momentum going into the bull market. LINK and DIA are a couple more I'm hoping to see rise. They're already up today. DIA is one of the top performers on Coinbase today. This might be due to its recent partnership with ZK Finance.

MaxSmart1981

man, COMP is the gift that keeps on giving

LumpyPreparation2707

man i was all excited to see COMP increase by almost 100% in a month … only to réalisé i’m still in a 22% deficit :( fuck my life perhaps i should sell for a loss …

_thewoodsiestoak_

COMP still slowly creeping up. Zoom out and it looks great.

xyridfosterlingu9

COMP & ETH are good for long term, you can as well add ORE & ENS, these two decentralized identity projects are also good for long term hold, especially with the increasing need for ID solution to curb data theft in the blockchain space.

SatoshiFlex

Do you think COMP will see a resurgence?

coinfeeds-bot

tldr; Bitcoin remains steady at around $30,000, while altcoins experience a drop in value. PEPE, a meme coin, has declined by over 7%. Bitcoin saw increased volatility on Friday, reaching a high of $31,500 before falling to $29,700. However, it quickly bounced back and reclaimed the $30,000 level. Other altcoins such as AVAX, LTC, LDO, SOL, TRX, and others have also dropped by up to 6%. COMP is one of the few altcoins with gains, surging by 10%. The total crypto market cap has decreased by $20 billion and is now at $1.170 trillion. *This summary is auto generated by a bot and not meant to replace reading the original article. As always, DYOR.*

Umarzy

Yes, they are good coins. I like the portfolio, though I don't know the % allocated to each. Due to the fact that all of them are high cap, I think the max ROI these assets could give would be 10x, considering COMP has the lowest mcap of $420M. If I were to do anything, I would add low caps to maximize ROI, and I'm talking of new projects, which could be MevFree, Quick Intel or FLUID AI (TGE in Q3). They might end up outperforming all of them, you never can tell.

empswartz

COMP to blow past 69? See what I did there?

empswartz

COMP rippin higher or faking us out?

Away-Fly5944

ETH would be the closest imo, but ADA, & COMP will all make you a lot of money too! They have the potential to go 10-20x compare to btc only going 5x

pokeholo23

no idea why COMP is up, but I figured it might go up 100% in 7days so thats why I bought some earlier lol.. im out

IntermittentFasted

i disagree. the alt market just started picking up momentum, look at BCH up 300% in just over a week , BSV 25-60ish LTC 80s - 112 ETC 15-26 XMR 120-165 (and consolidating at the top) MKR 600 - 865 COMP ~30 - 60 somebody’s LOADING up on all the original alt coins.

abesWaves

There are others as well, such as some DeFi tokens like MKR and COMP

DrestinBlack

Man! Is that title true! I started off with just four investments, BTC, ETH, LTC and BCH. I was happy. Then FOMO and some peer pressure convinced me to diversify. First it was MATIC then LINK and AAVE then COMP and… (gulp) AMP and LRC … and despite mass gains in my original 4… I’m still red overall. Guess why… Had I stuck with just the big 4 I’d be hella Green even right now. Lesson learned.

mbc98

Not BCH and COMP paying off

konn_freeride

**120 % increase on Compound (COMP) !** ​ That's massive. What's happening???

Invest07723

Apparently, last week was the time to buy SOL, BCH, and COMP.

ThrowawayHoper

Why on earth is COMP blowing up today?

empswartz

Can someone talk to me like I’m 5 and explain the rise in COMP?

FlowersforAlgorand

Two days ago I mentioned COMP was on the move. Now look at it!!!! I'm not saying you should buy any, just observe it's glorious green candles!

CointestMod

#DEX Con-Arguments Below is a DEX con-argument written by MrMoustacheMan. > #DEX - Con Argument > > Reusing my previous entry [from here](https://np.reddit.com/r/CryptoCurrency/comments/pfos3j/rcc_cointest_general_concepts_dex_conarguments/hdw1d32/). > > *Disclosure - I currently hold several DEX governance tokens, ~5% of my current portfolio value* > > ##What are decentralized exchanges and automated market makers? > > * (1) Intro: https://decrypt.co/resources/what-is-decentralized-exchange-dex > > * (2) Vitalik's original Reddit post: https://np.reddit.com/r/ethereum/comments/55m04x/lets_run_onchain_decentralized_exchanges_the_way/ > > ##DEX caveats > > I'm extremely bullish on [DeFi](https://decrypt.co/resources/defi-ultimate-beginners-guide-decentralized-finance) and believe DEXs specifically hold great promise in terms of: reducing counterparty risk, preserving anonymity and removing barriers to entry for users looking to trade and earn yield. > > That being said, there are some tradeoffs and limitations of interacting with DEXs to be aware of: > > ##Yo dawg, I heard you like decentralization > > - Decentralization can refer [to the protocol itself or to the governance and development of the protocol/platform](https://miro.medium.com/max/1304/0*epCTOVyxEmQq-AiU). > > - [Decentralization is a spectrum](https://nopara73.medium.com/few-words-on-decentralization-and-anonymous-payments-160782d30b9e) rather than a binary distinction. So a DEX may be [decentralized in some ways but centralized in others](https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2018/07/23/decentralized-exchanges-arent-living-up-to-their-name-and-data-proves-it/). Governance and developer control of a platform, for example, can vary wildly: > > >“Some have large control over their direction, others are governed by venture capital investors, and others have broader communities that vote in changes like an open source project.” > \- [Lex Sokolin, CMO and Global Fintech Co-Head, ConsenSys](https://cryptonews.com/exclusives/why-defi-isn-t-always-as-decentralized-as-you-might-think-7695.htm) > > - Users in the [Uniswap Con Cointest thread](https://np.reddit.com/r/CryptoCurrency/comments/og2r4t/rcryptocurrency_cointest_top_10_category_uniswap/) have articulated many of their concerns about whales and VC interests dominating UNI governance politics. > > - But I'll repeat the example of [Uniswap's unilateral decision to delist tokens](https://decrypt.co/76793/ethrereum-dex-uniswap-drops-tokenized-stocks-as-regulators-close-in) after facing regulatory scrutiny from the SEC. Even if a certain protocol is decentralized, the team can take actions to limit access. > > - Similarly, the DeFi community was not too pleased when Compound CEO Robert Leshner [threatened to doxx users](https://decrypt.co/82387/defi-community-blasts-compound-ceo-for-doxxed-comment) who didn't return COMP tokens after a protocol bug. > > - "Code is law. Unless we fuck up. Then we call the IRS on you." said [Blockstream CSO Samson Mow](https://nitter.com/Excellion/status/1443875126982840330). > > - Another concern would be seemingly decentralized platforms like Bancor having backdoors and the ability to freeze user funds ([which they did after a hack](https://techcrunch.com/2018/07/10/bancor-loses-23-5m/)). > > - [As LTC founder Charlie Lee stated](https://nitter.com/SatoshiLite/status/1016499756158234624): > > >"An exchange is not decentralized if it can lose customer funds OR if it can freeze customer funds. Bancor can do BOTH. It's a false sense of decentralization." > > - [Or, as DOGE founder Jackson Palmer commented](https://medium.datadriveninvestor.com/the-lessons-learned-from-a-false-sense-of-decentralization-875b8c2731a6): > > >“The key thing here is not the hack itself — it’s the fact the Bancor team had the ability to freeze funds. How many other “decentralized” DApps have a built-in kill switch that’s centrally controlled?” > > - In removing gatekeepers and intermediaries, DEXs and AMMs promise a more level financial playing field than the permissioned, opaque system of centralized finance. > > - However, even when governance of an open source platform is 'fair' and decentralized, DEX users are exposed to some of the same financial shenanigans inherent to CeFi, [such as front running](https://www.paradigm.xyz/2020/08/ethereum-is-a-dark-forest/). > > - There is no need for practices like [Robinhood's payment for order flow](https://web.archive.org/web/20210729220645/https://www.wsj.com/articles/robinhoods-debut-is-clouded-by-sec-scrutiny-of-payment-for-order-flow-11625655600) when trades are publicly broadcasted for the world to see: > > - "[Decentralized exchanges make it easier for anyone to exploit temporary market inefficiencies for a profit. In other words, it’s easier to front-run the market](https://blog.gnosis.pm/decentralized-exchanges-have-a-problem-7e6d81d91ba1)." > > > - "[Trades on decentralized exchanges \(DEX\) are sitting ducks while they remain idle in the processing queue. A small cohort of developers can and do take advantage of this lag time between hitting the trade button and the trade executing on-chain by front-running, back-running or 'sandwiching' a transaction.](https://www.yahoo.com/now/bad-sandwich-defi-trader-poisons-153336603.html)" > > > ##With mediocre UX comes great responsibility > > - DEXs are often not newbie friendly > > - There is a learning curve to self-custodying and creating a web wallet > > - Because of the immutability of blockchain transactions, it can be [easy for even savvy traders to learn an expensive lesson about human error](https://np.reddit.com/r/ethtrader/comments/jo7lj2/help_needed_i_payed_235172_eth_9500_for_120/) > > - The process can be further intimidating when attempting to[ bridge assets on sidechains and L2s](https://ethhole.link/layer2) (and it is precisely smaller, newer traders who benefit most from[ lower fees](https://l2fees.info/)) > > - So it's not surprising that [many users - especially new market participants - would prefer to accept the counterparty risk of a custodial exchange](https://cointelegraph.com/news/coinbase-regains-1-position-on-apple-app-store-as-crypto-com-jumps-to-third) in return for a consumer oriented and streamlined user experience: > > - Given lack of KYC/AML, the majority of DEXs do not allow for onboarding/offboarding fiat and require users to touch a centralized exchange at some point if they want to get money in or out of 'the system'. > > - To go back to the Compound bug, Leshner clarified that his 'doxx' comment was in reference to DeFi users' interactions with centralized exchanges: > > > "[He said that anyone could identify the public Ethereum addresses that interact with the Compound protocol, and whether they engaged with popular exchanges like Coinbase that collect information about users.](https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/04/business/dealbook/facebook-whistleblower-frances-haugen.html)" > > - Few DEXs natively offer the same level of trading functionality as centralized exchanges (e.g. limit orders, stop losses). > > - While centralized exchange users are primarily concerned with fees and spread, DEX users must also familiarize themselves with concepts like [slippage](https://academy.shrimpy.io/post/what-is-slippage-how-to-avoid-slippage-on-defi-exchanges) and [impermanent loss](https://academy.binance.com/en/articles/impermanent-loss-explained) > > - As the market becomes more saturated with DEX platforms and aggregators, it can be difficult for a lay user to evaluate competing promises of trustlessness and decentralization - or recognize when they're being exploited. > > - [Exit scams and rugpulls are prolific](https://decrypt.co/55787/defi-rug-pulls-were-cryptos-top-fraud-scheme-in-2020-ciphertrace) - newbies may find it challenging to verify if a DEX is legitimate, especially when dev teams are anonymous and many users lack technical proficiency to audit the protocol/smart contracts themselves. > > - While hacks and phishing risks aren't limited to DEXs, they expose [users to additional attack vectors](https://coinmarketcap.com/alexandria/article/how-to-identify-and-avoid-uniswap-scams): > > > - Given [the ease of creating \(copy/pasting\) and listing a token](https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/05/business/hype-coins-cryptocurrency.html), it's no surprise that scamcoins abound on DEXs, many of which [spoof legitimacy](https://twitter.com/uniwhalesio/status/1357785710896545792). > > - E.g., [researchers identified over 10K scam tokens and scam liquidity pools on Uniswap V2](https://arxiv.org/abs/2109.00229). > > - Or check out [this recent attack which shows how Uniswap v3 liquidity pools can be manipulated](https://twitter.com/Mudit__Gupta/status/1455627465678749696). > > - More sinister is when [developers tweak the token contract to take your assets](https://twitter.com/r0bster97/status/1338182571558055937) or [remove a token's approval function](https://cryptot3ddybear.github.io/posts/scam-explained-bsc-noapproval/), preventing you from dumping the scamcoin you just bought. > > - Lastly, a DEX often requires users to approve or allow access to a given token before trading. [The default 'unlimited allowance' is convenient, but if exploited it allows bad actors to sweep your funds](https://learn.zapper.fi/articles/how-to-revoke-token-allowances). ***** Would you like to learn more? Check out the [Cointest archive](/r/CointestOfficial/wiki/cointest_archive#wiki_DEX) to find submissions for other topics.

Umarzy

I strongly believe that the liquid staking derivatives & lending/borrowing sector of DeFi will gain huge traction. According to lookonchain, whales & smart money are accumulating AAVE, SNX, COMP & other blue chip DeFi tokens. Credit protocol caught my attention as it's building a fixed isolated lending & borrowing protocol, and it uses no oracles or liquidators, bringing a seamless experience for users.

CointestMod

#DEX Con-Arguments Below is a DEX con-argument written by MrMoustacheMan. > #DEX - Con Argument > > Reusing my previous entry [from here](https://np.reddit.com/r/CryptoCurrency/comments/pfos3j/rcc_cointest_general_concepts_dex_conarguments/hdw1d32/). > > *Disclosure - I currently hold several DEX governance tokens, ~5% of my current portfolio value* > > ##What are decentralized exchanges and automated market makers? > > * (1) Intro: https://decrypt.co/resources/what-is-decentralized-exchange-dex > > * (2) Vitalik's original Reddit post: https://np.reddit.com/r/ethereum/comments/55m04x/lets_run_onchain_decentralized_exchanges_the_way/ > > ##DEX caveats > > I'm extremely bullish on [DeFi](https://decrypt.co/resources/defi-ultimate-beginners-guide-decentralized-finance) and believe DEXs specifically hold great promise in terms of: reducing counterparty risk, preserving anonymity and removing barriers to entry for users looking to trade and earn yield. > > That being said, there are some tradeoffs and limitations of interacting with DEXs to be aware of: > > ##Yo dawg, I heard you like decentralization > > - Decentralization can refer [to the protocol itself or to the governance and development of the protocol/platform](https://miro.medium.com/max/1304/0*epCTOVyxEmQq-AiU). > > - [Decentralization is a spectrum](https://nopara73.medium.com/few-words-on-decentralization-and-anonymous-payments-160782d30b9e) rather than a binary distinction. So a DEX may be [decentralized in some ways but centralized in others](https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2018/07/23/decentralized-exchanges-arent-living-up-to-their-name-and-data-proves-it/). Governance and developer control of a platform, for example, can vary wildly: > > >“Some have large control over their direction, others are governed by venture capital investors, and others have broader communities that vote in changes like an open source project.” > \- [Lex Sokolin, CMO and Global Fintech Co-Head, ConsenSys](https://cryptonews.com/exclusives/why-defi-isn-t-always-as-decentralized-as-you-might-think-7695.htm) > > - Users in the [Uniswap Con Cointest thread](https://np.reddit.com/r/CryptoCurrency/comments/og2r4t/rcryptocurrency_cointest_top_10_category_uniswap/) have articulated many of their concerns about whales and VC interests dominating UNI governance politics. > > - But I'll repeat the example of [Uniswap's unilateral decision to delist tokens](https://decrypt.co/76793/ethrereum-dex-uniswap-drops-tokenized-stocks-as-regulators-close-in) after facing regulatory scrutiny from the SEC. Even if a certain protocol is decentralized, the team can take actions to limit access. > > - Similarly, the DeFi community was not too pleased when Compound CEO Robert Leshner [threatened to doxx users](https://decrypt.co/82387/defi-community-blasts-compound-ceo-for-doxxed-comment) who didn't return COMP tokens after a protocol bug. > > - "Code is law. Unless we fuck up. Then we call the IRS on you." said [Blockstream CSO Samson Mow](https://nitter.com/Excellion/status/1443875126982840330). > > - Another concern would be seemingly decentralized platforms like Bancor having backdoors and the ability to freeze user funds ([which they did after a hack](https://techcrunch.com/2018/07/10/bancor-loses-23-5m/)). > > - [As LTC founder Charlie Lee stated](https://nitter.com/SatoshiLite/status/1016499756158234624): > > >"An exchange is not decentralized if it can lose customer funds OR if it can freeze customer funds. Bancor can do BOTH. It's a false sense of decentralization." > > - [Or, as DOGE founder Jackson Palmer commented](https://medium.datadriveninvestor.com/the-lessons-learned-from-a-false-sense-of-decentralization-875b8c2731a6): > > >“The key thing here is not the hack itself — it’s the fact the Bancor team had the ability to freeze funds. How many other “decentralized” DApps have a built-in kill switch that’s centrally controlled?” > > - In removing gatekeepers and intermediaries, DEXs and AMMs promise a more level financial playing field than the permissioned, opaque system of centralized finance. > > - However, even when governance of an open source platform is 'fair' and decentralized, DEX users are exposed to some of the same financial shenanigans inherent to CeFi, [such as front running](https://www.paradigm.xyz/2020/08/ethereum-is-a-dark-forest/). > > - There is no need for practices like [Robinhood's payment for order flow](https://web.archive.org/web/20210729220645/https://www.wsj.com/articles/robinhoods-debut-is-clouded-by-sec-scrutiny-of-payment-for-order-flow-11625655600) when trades are publicly broadcasted for the world to see: > > - "[Decentralized exchanges make it easier for anyone to exploit temporary market inefficiencies for a profit. In other words, it’s easier to front-run the market](https://blog.gnosis.pm/decentralized-exchanges-have-a-problem-7e6d81d91ba1)." > > > - "[Trades on decentralized exchanges \(DEX\) are sitting ducks while they remain idle in the processing queue. A small cohort of developers can and do take advantage of this lag time between hitting the trade button and the trade executing on-chain by front-running, back-running or 'sandwiching' a transaction.](https://www.yahoo.com/now/bad-sandwich-defi-trader-poisons-153336603.html)" > > > ##With mediocre UX comes great responsibility > > - DEXs are often not newbie friendly > > - There is a learning curve to self-custodying and creating a web wallet > > - Because of the immutability of blockchain transactions, it can be [easy for even savvy traders to learn an expensive lesson about human error](https://np.reddit.com/r/ethtrader/comments/jo7lj2/help_needed_i_payed_235172_eth_9500_for_120/) > > - The process can be further intimidating when attempting to[ bridge assets on sidechains and L2s](https://ethhole.link/layer2) (and it is precisely smaller, newer traders who benefit most from[ lower fees](https://l2fees.info/)) > > - So it's not surprising that [many users - especially new market participants - would prefer to accept the counterparty risk of a custodial exchange](https://cointelegraph.com/news/coinbase-regains-1-position-on-apple-app-store-as-crypto-com-jumps-to-third) in return for a consumer oriented and streamlined user experience: > > - Given lack of KYC/AML, the majority of DEXs do not allow for onboarding/offboarding fiat and require users to touch a centralized exchange at some point if they want to get money in or out of 'the system'. > > - To go back to the Compound bug, Leshner clarified that his 'doxx' comment was in reference to DeFi users' interactions with centralized exchanges: > > > "[He said that anyone could identify the public Ethereum addresses that interact with the Compound protocol, and whether they engaged with popular exchanges like Coinbase that collect information about users.](https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/04/business/dealbook/facebook-whistleblower-frances-haugen.html)" > > - Few DEXs natively offer the same level of trading functionality as centralized exchanges (e.g. limit orders, stop losses). > > - While centralized exchange users are primarily concerned with fees and spread, DEX users must also familiarize themselves with concepts like [slippage](https://academy.shrimpy.io/post/what-is-slippage-how-to-avoid-slippage-on-defi-exchanges) and [impermanent loss](https://academy.binance.com/en/articles/impermanent-loss-explained) > > - As the market becomes more saturated with DEX platforms and aggregators, it can be difficult for a lay user to evaluate competing promises of trustlessness and decentralization - or recognize when they're being exploited. > > - [Exit scams and rugpulls are prolific](https://decrypt.co/55787/defi-rug-pulls-were-cryptos-top-fraud-scheme-in-2020-ciphertrace) - newbies may find it challenging to verify if a DEX is legitimate, especially when dev teams are anonymous and many users lack technical proficiency to audit the protocol/smart contracts themselves. > > - While hacks and phishing risks aren't limited to DEXs, they expose [users to additional attack vectors](https://coinmarketcap.com/alexandria/article/how-to-identify-and-avoid-uniswap-scams): > > > - Given [the ease of creating \(copy/pasting\) and listing a token](https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/05/business/hype-coins-cryptocurrency.html), it's no surprise that scamcoins abound on DEXs, many of which [spoof legitimacy](https://twitter.com/uniwhalesio/status/1357785710896545792). > > - E.g., [researchers identified over 10K scam tokens and scam liquidity pools on Uniswap V2](https://arxiv.org/abs/2109.00229). > > - Or check out [this recent attack which shows how Uniswap v3 liquidity pools can be manipulated](https://twitter.com/Mudit__Gupta/status/1455627465678749696). > > - More sinister is when [developers tweak the token contract to take your assets](https://twitter.com/r0bster97/status/1338182571558055937) or [remove a token's approval function](https://cryptot3ddybear.github.io/posts/scam-explained-bsc-noapproval/), preventing you from dumping the scamcoin you just bought. > > - Lastly, a DEX often requires users to approve or allow access to a given token before trading. [The default 'unlimited allowance' is convenient, but if exploited it allows bad actors to sweep your funds](https://learn.zapper.fi/articles/how-to-revoke-token-allowances). ***** Would you like to learn more? Check out the [Cointest archive](/r/CointestOfficial/wiki/cointest_archive#wiki_DEX) to find submissions for other topics.

FlowersforAlgorand

It's nice to see COMP starting to make some moves! It's been hibernating for far too long.

Prestospin

I'm staking or lending all my assets. I use staking rewards website to track the yields for staking and Coinstats app to track all my staked or lent assets. Here's a few hacks: * Staking with the validator is the lowest risky thing to do with your portfolio, the only thing to note is the fact, that unlock period for some cryptos might be a long while. For DOT it's 28 days, for ATOM it's 21 days. * Lending is more risky, as the protocol might get hacked, but the good thing is you can withdraw anytime and have crypto liquid if you wanna sell. One can use combined approach and have part of crypto staked and the other part lent somewhere. Personally I use the following lending platforms * Stargate for stables * AAVE for FTM, ETH and BNB * COMP for ETH * VENUS for BNB Thanks for the answers guys, learnt a few useful things from your comments.

MJC77diamondhands

I yolo'd in this year on top of what I invested in 21-22. Sitting at 162k 73% BTC 8% SOL 7% ADA 5% AAVE 4% COMP 3% OTHER

CleazyCatalystAD

LINK is by far the largest and the best of the oracle network tokens. (Others include BAND and TRB). Oracle tokens are currently utilized mostly by Defi applications (such as AAVE, COMP, etc.), connecting smart contracts with real world data (such as current prices) onto the respective blockchain. LINK is utilized most notably within the Ethereum network, but also by Avalanche and Solana to name a few.

CointestMod

#DEX Con-Arguments Below is a DEX con-argument written by MrMoustacheMan. > #DEX - Con Argument > > Reusing my previous entry [from here](https://np.reddit.com/r/CryptoCurrency/comments/pfos3j/rcc_cointest_general_concepts_dex_conarguments/hdw1d32/). > > *Disclosure - I currently hold several DEX governance tokens, ~5% of my current portfolio value* > > ##What are decentralized exchanges and automated market makers? > > * (1) Intro: https://decrypt.co/resources/what-is-decentralized-exchange-dex > > * (2) Vitalik's original Reddit post: https://np.reddit.com/r/ethereum/comments/55m04x/lets_run_onchain_decentralized_exchanges_the_way/ > > ##DEX caveats > > I'm extremely bullish on [DeFi](https://decrypt.co/resources/defi-ultimate-beginners-guide-decentralized-finance) and believe DEXs specifically hold great promise in terms of: reducing counterparty risk, preserving anonymity and removing barriers to entry for users looking to trade and earn yield. > > That being said, there are some tradeoffs and limitations of interacting with DEXs to be aware of: > > ##Yo dawg, I heard you like decentralization > > - Decentralization can refer [to the protocol itself or to the governance and development of the protocol/platform](https://miro.medium.com/max/1304/0*epCTOVyxEmQq-AiU). > > - [Decentralization is a spectrum](https://nopara73.medium.com/few-words-on-decentralization-and-anonymous-payments-160782d30b9e) rather than a binary distinction. So a DEX may be [decentralized in some ways but centralized in others](https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2018/07/23/decentralized-exchanges-arent-living-up-to-their-name-and-data-proves-it/). Governance and developer control of a platform, for example, can vary wildly: > > >“Some have large control over their direction, others are governed by venture capital investors, and others have broader communities that vote in changes like an open source project.” > \- [Lex Sokolin, CMO and Global Fintech Co-Head, ConsenSys](https://cryptonews.com/exclusives/why-defi-isn-t-always-as-decentralized-as-you-might-think-7695.htm) > > - Users in the [Uniswap Con Cointest thread](https://np.reddit.com/r/CryptoCurrency/comments/og2r4t/rcryptocurrency_cointest_top_10_category_uniswap/) have articulated many of their concerns about whales and VC interests dominating UNI governance politics. > > - But I'll repeat the example of [Uniswap's unilateral decision to delist tokens](https://decrypt.co/76793/ethrereum-dex-uniswap-drops-tokenized-stocks-as-regulators-close-in) after facing regulatory scrutiny from the SEC. Even if a certain protocol is decentralized, the team can take actions to limit access. > > - Similarly, the DeFi community was not too pleased when Compound CEO Robert Leshner [threatened to doxx users](https://decrypt.co/82387/defi-community-blasts-compound-ceo-for-doxxed-comment) who didn't return COMP tokens after a protocol bug. > > - "Code is law. Unless we fuck up. Then we call the IRS on you." said [Blockstream CSO Samson Mow](https://nitter.com/Excellion/status/1443875126982840330). > > - Another concern would be seemingly decentralized platforms like Bancor having backdoors and the ability to freeze user funds ([which they did after a hack](https://techcrunch.com/2018/07/10/bancor-loses-23-5m/)). > > - [As LTC founder Charlie Lee stated](https://nitter.com/SatoshiLite/status/1016499756158234624): > > >"An exchange is not decentralized if it can lose customer funds OR if it can freeze customer funds. Bancor can do BOTH. It's a false sense of decentralization." > > - [Or, as DOGE founder Jackson Palmer commented](https://medium.datadriveninvestor.com/the-lessons-learned-from-a-false-sense-of-decentralization-875b8c2731a6): > > >“The key thing here is not the hack itself — it’s the fact the Bancor team had the ability to freeze funds. How many other “decentralized” DApps have a built-in kill switch that’s centrally controlled?” > > - In removing gatekeepers and intermediaries, DEXs and AMMs promise a more level financial playing field than the permissioned, opaque system of centralized finance. > > - However, even when governance of an open source platform is 'fair' and decentralized, DEX users are exposed to some of the same financial shenanigans inherent to CeFi, [such as front running](https://www.paradigm.xyz/2020/08/ethereum-is-a-dark-forest/). > > - There is no need for practices like [Robinhood's payment for order flow](https://web.archive.org/web/20210729220645/https://www.wsj.com/articles/robinhoods-debut-is-clouded-by-sec-scrutiny-of-payment-for-order-flow-11625655600) when trades are publicly broadcasted for the world to see: > > - "[Decentralized exchanges make it easier for anyone to exploit temporary market inefficiencies for a profit. In other words, it’s easier to front-run the market](https://blog.gnosis.pm/decentralized-exchanges-have-a-problem-7e6d81d91ba1)." > > > - "[Trades on decentralized exchanges \(DEX\) are sitting ducks while they remain idle in the processing queue. A small cohort of developers can and do take advantage of this lag time between hitting the trade button and the trade executing on-chain by front-running, back-running or 'sandwiching' a transaction.](https://www.yahoo.com/now/bad-sandwich-defi-trader-poisons-153336603.html)" > > > ##With mediocre UX comes great responsibility > > - DEXs are often not newbie friendly > > - There is a learning curve to self-custodying and creating a web wallet > > - Because of the immutability of blockchain transactions, it can be [easy for even savvy traders to learn an expensive lesson about human error](https://np.reddit.com/r/ethtrader/comments/jo7lj2/help_needed_i_payed_235172_eth_9500_for_120/) > > - The process can be further intimidating when attempting to[ bridge assets on sidechains and L2s](https://ethhole.link/layer2) (and it is precisely smaller, newer traders who benefit most from[ lower fees](https://l2fees.info/)) > > - So it's not surprising that [many users - especially new market participants - would prefer to accept the counterparty risk of a custodial exchange](https://cointelegraph.com/news/coinbase-regains-1-position-on-apple-app-store-as-crypto-com-jumps-to-third) in return for a consumer oriented and streamlined user experience: > > - Given lack of KYC/AML, the majority of DEXs do not allow for onboarding/offboarding fiat and require users to touch a centralized exchange at some point if they want to get money in or out of 'the system'. > > - To go back to the Compound bug, Leshner clarified that his 'doxx' comment was in reference to DeFi users' interactions with centralized exchanges: > > > "[He said that anyone could identify the public Ethereum addresses that interact with the Compound protocol, and whether they engaged with popular exchanges like Coinbase that collect information about users.](https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/04/business/dealbook/facebook-whistleblower-frances-haugen.html)" > > - Few DEXs natively offer the same level of trading functionality as centralized exchanges (e.g. limit orders, stop losses). > > - While centralized exchange users are primarily concerned with fees and spread, DEX users must also familiarize themselves with concepts like [slippage](https://academy.shrimpy.io/post/what-is-slippage-how-to-avoid-slippage-on-defi-exchanges) and [impermanent loss](https://academy.binance.com/en/articles/impermanent-loss-explained) > > - As the market becomes more saturated with DEX platforms and aggregators, it can be difficult for a lay user to evaluate competing promises of trustlessness and decentralization - or recognize when they're being exploited. > > - [Exit scams and rugpulls are prolific](https://decrypt.co/55787/defi-rug-pulls-were-cryptos-top-fraud-scheme-in-2020-ciphertrace) - newbies may find it challenging to verify if a DEX is legitimate, especially when dev teams are anonymous and many users lack technical proficiency to audit the protocol/smart contracts themselves. > > - While hacks and phishing risks aren't limited to DEXs, they expose [users to additional attack vectors](https://coinmarketcap.com/alexandria/article/how-to-identify-and-avoid-uniswap-scams): > > > - Given [the ease of creating \(copy/pasting\) and listing a token](https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/05/business/hype-coins-cryptocurrency.html), it's no surprise that scamcoins abound on DEXs, many of which [spoof legitimacy](https://twitter.com/uniwhalesio/status/1357785710896545792). > > - E.g., [researchers identified over 10K scam tokens and scam liquidity pools on Uniswap V2](https://arxiv.org/abs/2109.00229). > > - Or check out [this recent attack which shows how Uniswap v3 liquidity pools can be manipulated](https://twitter.com/Mudit__Gupta/status/1455627465678749696). > > - More sinister is when [developers tweak the token contract to take your assets](https://twitter.com/r0bster97/status/1338182571558055937) or [remove a token's approval function](https://cryptot3ddybear.github.io/posts/scam-explained-bsc-noapproval/), preventing you from dumping the scamcoin you just bought. > > - Lastly, a DEX often requires users to approve or allow access to a given token before trading. [The default 'unlimited allowance' is convenient, but if exploited it allows bad actors to sweep your funds](https://learn.zapper.fi/articles/how-to-revoke-token-allowances). ***** Would you like to learn more? Check out the [Cointest archive](/r/CointestOfficial/wiki/cointest_archive#wiki_DEX) to find submissions for other topics.

CointestMod

#DEX Con-Arguments Below is a DEX con-argument written by MrMoustacheMan. > #DEX - Con Argument > > Reusing my previous entry [from here](https://np.reddit.com/r/CryptoCurrency/comments/pfos3j/rcc_cointest_general_concepts_dex_conarguments/hdw1d32/). > > *Disclosure - I currently hold several DEX governance tokens, ~5% of my current portfolio value* > > ##What are decentralized exchanges and automated market makers? > > * (1) Intro: https://decrypt.co/resources/what-is-decentralized-exchange-dex > > * (2) Vitalik's original Reddit post: https://np.reddit.com/r/ethereum/comments/55m04x/lets_run_onchain_decentralized_exchanges_the_way/ > > ##DEX caveats > > I'm extremely bullish on [DeFi](https://decrypt.co/resources/defi-ultimate-beginners-guide-decentralized-finance) and believe DEXs specifically hold great promise in terms of: reducing counterparty risk, preserving anonymity and removing barriers to entry for users looking to trade and earn yield. > > That being said, there are some tradeoffs and limitations of interacting with DEXs to be aware of: > > ##Yo dawg, I heard you like decentralization > > - Decentralization can refer [to the protocol itself or to the governance and development of the protocol/platform](https://miro.medium.com/max/1304/0*epCTOVyxEmQq-AiU). > > - [Decentralization is a spectrum](https://nopara73.medium.com/few-words-on-decentralization-and-anonymous-payments-160782d30b9e) rather than a binary distinction. So a DEX may be [decentralized in some ways but centralized in others](https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2018/07/23/decentralized-exchanges-arent-living-up-to-their-name-and-data-proves-it/). Governance and developer control of a platform, for example, can vary wildly: > > >“Some have large control over their direction, others are governed by venture capital investors, and others have broader communities that vote in changes like an open source project.” > \- [Lex Sokolin, CMO and Global Fintech Co-Head, ConsenSys](https://cryptonews.com/exclusives/why-defi-isn-t-always-as-decentralized-as-you-might-think-7695.htm) > > - Users in the [Uniswap Con Cointest thread](https://np.reddit.com/r/CryptoCurrency/comments/og2r4t/rcryptocurrency_cointest_top_10_category_uniswap/) have articulated many of their concerns about whales and VC interests dominating UNI governance politics. > > - But I'll repeat the example of [Uniswap's unilateral decision to delist tokens](https://decrypt.co/76793/ethrereum-dex-uniswap-drops-tokenized-stocks-as-regulators-close-in) after facing regulatory scrutiny from the SEC. Even if a certain protocol is decentralized, the team can take actions to limit access. > > - Similarly, the DeFi community was not too pleased when Compound CEO Robert Leshner [threatened to doxx users](https://decrypt.co/82387/defi-community-blasts-compound-ceo-for-doxxed-comment) who didn't return COMP tokens after a protocol bug. > > - "Code is law. Unless we fuck up. Then we call the IRS on you." said [Blockstream CSO Samson Mow](https://nitter.com/Excellion/status/1443875126982840330). > > - Another concern would be seemingly decentralized platforms like Bancor having backdoors and the ability to freeze user funds ([which they did after a hack](https://techcrunch.com/2018/07/10/bancor-loses-23-5m/)). > > - [As LTC founder Charlie Lee stated](https://nitter.com/SatoshiLite/status/1016499756158234624): > > >"An exchange is not decentralized if it can lose customer funds OR if it can freeze customer funds. Bancor can do BOTH. It's a false sense of decentralization." > > - [Or, as DOGE founder Jackson Palmer commented](https://medium.datadriveninvestor.com/the-lessons-learned-from-a-false-sense-of-decentralization-875b8c2731a6): > > >“The key thing here is not the hack itself — it’s the fact the Bancor team had the ability to freeze funds. How many other “decentralized” DApps have a built-in kill switch that’s centrally controlled?” > > - In removing gatekeepers and intermediaries, DEXs and AMMs promise a more level financial playing field than the permissioned, opaque system of centralized finance. > > - However, even when governance of an open source platform is 'fair' and decentralized, DEX users are exposed to some of the same financial shenanigans inherent to CeFi, [such as front running](https://www.paradigm.xyz/2020/08/ethereum-is-a-dark-forest/). > > - There is no need for practices like [Robinhood's payment for order flow](https://web.archive.org/web/20210729220645/https://www.wsj.com/articles/robinhoods-debut-is-clouded-by-sec-scrutiny-of-payment-for-order-flow-11625655600) when trades are publicly broadcasted for the world to see: > > - "[Decentralized exchanges make it easier for anyone to exploit temporary market inefficiencies for a profit. In other words, it’s easier to front-run the market](https://blog.gnosis.pm/decentralized-exchanges-have-a-problem-7e6d81d91ba1)." > > > - "[Trades on decentralized exchanges \(DEX\) are sitting ducks while they remain idle in the processing queue. A small cohort of developers can and do take advantage of this lag time between hitting the trade button and the trade executing on-chain by front-running, back-running or 'sandwiching' a transaction.](https://www.yahoo.com/now/bad-sandwich-defi-trader-poisons-153336603.html)" > > > ##With mediocre UX comes great responsibility > > - DEXs are often not newbie friendly > > - There is a learning curve to self-custodying and creating a web wallet > > - Because of the immutability of blockchain transactions, it can be [easy for even savvy traders to learn an expensive lesson about human error](https://np.reddit.com/r/ethtrader/comments/jo7lj2/help_needed_i_payed_235172_eth_9500_for_120/) > > - The process can be further intimidating when attempting to[ bridge assets on sidechains and L2s](https://ethhole.link/layer2) (and it is precisely smaller, newer traders who benefit most from[ lower fees](https://l2fees.info/)) > > - So it's not surprising that [many users - especially new market participants - would prefer to accept the counterparty risk of a custodial exchange](https://cointelegraph.com/news/coinbase-regains-1-position-on-apple-app-store-as-crypto-com-jumps-to-third) in return for a consumer oriented and streamlined user experience: > > - Given lack of KYC/AML, the majority of DEXs do not allow for onboarding/offboarding fiat and require users to touch a centralized exchange at some point if they want to get money in or out of 'the system'. > > - To go back to the Compound bug, Leshner clarified that his 'doxx' comment was in reference to DeFi users' interactions with centralized exchanges: > > > "[He said that anyone could identify the public Ethereum addresses that interact with the Compound protocol, and whether they engaged with popular exchanges like Coinbase that collect information about users.](https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/04/business/dealbook/facebook-whistleblower-frances-haugen.html)" > > - Few DEXs natively offer the same level of trading functionality as centralized exchanges (e.g. limit orders, stop losses). > > - While centralized exchange users are primarily concerned with fees and spread, DEX users must also familiarize themselves with concepts like [slippage](https://academy.shrimpy.io/post/what-is-slippage-how-to-avoid-slippage-on-defi-exchanges) and [impermanent loss](https://academy.binance.com/en/articles/impermanent-loss-explained) > > - As the market becomes more saturated with DEX platforms and aggregators, it can be difficult for a lay user to evaluate competing promises of trustlessness and decentralization - or recognize when they're being exploited. > > - [Exit scams and rugpulls are prolific](https://decrypt.co/55787/defi-rug-pulls-were-cryptos-top-fraud-scheme-in-2020-ciphertrace) - newbies may find it challenging to verify if a DEX is legitimate, especially when dev teams are anonymous and many users lack technical proficiency to audit the protocol/smart contracts themselves. > > - While hacks and phishing risks aren't limited to DEXs, they expose [users to additional attack vectors](https://coinmarketcap.com/alexandria/article/how-to-identify-and-avoid-uniswap-scams): > > > - Given [the ease of creating \(copy/pasting\) and listing a token](https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/05/business/hype-coins-cryptocurrency.html), it's no surprise that scamcoins abound on DEXs, many of which [spoof legitimacy](https://twitter.com/uniwhalesio/status/1357785710896545792). > > - E.g., [researchers identified over 10K scam tokens and scam liquidity pools on Uniswap V2](https://arxiv.org/abs/2109.00229). > > - Or check out [this recent attack which shows how Uniswap v3 liquidity pools can be manipulated](https://twitter.com/Mudit__Gupta/status/1455627465678749696). > > - More sinister is when [developers tweak the token contract to take your assets](https://twitter.com/r0bster97/status/1338182571558055937) or [remove a token's approval function](https://cryptot3ddybear.github.io/posts/scam-explained-bsc-noapproval/), preventing you from dumping the scamcoin you just bought. > > - Lastly, a DEX often requires users to approve or allow access to a given token before trading. [The default 'unlimited allowance' is convenient, but if exploited it allows bad actors to sweep your funds](https://learn.zapper.fi/articles/how-to-revoke-token-allowances). ***** Would you like to learn more? Check out the [Cointest archive](/r/CointestOfficial/wiki/cointest_archive#wiki_DEX) to find submissions for other topics.

Umarzy

I adopt the DCA strategy to buy strong projects. I'm focused on accumulating Layer 2 & DeFi projects. I like Arbitrum, Polygon & Cartesi as scaling solution. For DeFi, I'm just sticking to the solid ones; AAVE & COMP.

CointestMod

#DEX Con-Arguments Below is a DEX con-argument written by MrMoustacheMan. > #DEX - Con Argument > > Reusing my previous entry [from here](https://np.reddit.com/r/CryptoCurrency/comments/pfos3j/rcc_cointest_general_concepts_dex_conarguments/hdw1d32/). > > *Disclosure - I currently hold several DEX governance tokens, ~5% of my current portfolio value* > > ##What are decentralized exchanges and automated market makers? > > * (1) Intro: https://decrypt.co/resources/what-is-decentralized-exchange-dex > > * (2) Vitalik's original Reddit post: https://np.reddit.com/r/ethereum/comments/55m04x/lets_run_onchain_decentralized_exchanges_the_way/ > > ##DEX caveats > > I'm extremely bullish on [DeFi](https://decrypt.co/resources/defi-ultimate-beginners-guide-decentralized-finance) and believe DEXs specifically hold great promise in terms of: reducing counterparty risk, preserving anonymity and removing barriers to entry for users looking to trade and earn yield. > > That being said, there are some tradeoffs and limitations of interacting with DEXs to be aware of: > > ##Yo dawg, I heard you like decentralization > > - Decentralization can refer [to the protocol itself or to the governance and development of the protocol/platform](https://miro.medium.com/max/1304/0*epCTOVyxEmQq-AiU). > > - [Decentralization is a spectrum](https://nopara73.medium.com/few-words-on-decentralization-and-anonymous-payments-160782d30b9e) rather than a binary distinction. So a DEX may be [decentralized in some ways but centralized in others](https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2018/07/23/decentralized-exchanges-arent-living-up-to-their-name-and-data-proves-it/). Governance and developer control of a platform, for example, can vary wildly: > > >“Some have large control over their direction, others are governed by venture capital investors, and others have broader communities that vote in changes like an open source project.” > \- [Lex Sokolin, CMO and Global Fintech Co-Head, ConsenSys](https://cryptonews.com/exclusives/why-defi-isn-t-always-as-decentralized-as-you-might-think-7695.htm) > > - Users in the [Uniswap Con Cointest thread](https://np.reddit.com/r/CryptoCurrency/comments/og2r4t/rcryptocurrency_cointest_top_10_category_uniswap/) have articulated many of their concerns about whales and VC interests dominating UNI governance politics. > > - But I'll repeat the example of [Uniswap's unilateral decision to delist tokens](https://decrypt.co/76793/ethrereum-dex-uniswap-drops-tokenized-stocks-as-regulators-close-in) after facing regulatory scrutiny from the SEC. Even if a certain protocol is decentralized, the team can take actions to limit access. > > - Similarly, the DeFi community was not too pleased when Compound CEO Robert Leshner [threatened to doxx users](https://decrypt.co/82387/defi-community-blasts-compound-ceo-for-doxxed-comment) who didn't return COMP tokens after a protocol bug. > > - "Code is law. Unless we fuck up. Then we call the IRS on you." said [Blockstream CSO Samson Mow](https://nitter.com/Excellion/status/1443875126982840330). > > - Another concern would be seemingly decentralized platforms like Bancor having backdoors and the ability to freeze user funds ([which they did after a hack](https://techcrunch.com/2018/07/10/bancor-loses-23-5m/)). > > - [As LTC founder Charlie Lee stated](https://nitter.com/SatoshiLite/status/1016499756158234624): > > >"An exchange is not decentralized if it can lose customer funds OR if it can freeze customer funds. Bancor can do BOTH. It's a false sense of decentralization." > > - [Or, as DOGE founder Jackson Palmer commented](https://medium.datadriveninvestor.com/the-lessons-learned-from-a-false-sense-of-decentralization-875b8c2731a6): > > >“The key thing here is not the hack itself — it’s the fact the Bancor team had the ability to freeze funds. How many other “decentralized” DApps have a built-in kill switch that’s centrally controlled?” > > - In removing gatekeepers and intermediaries, DEXs and AMMs promise a more level financial playing field than the permissioned, opaque system of centralized finance. > > - However, even when governance of an open source platform is 'fair' and decentralized, DEX users are exposed to some of the same financial shenanigans inherent to CeFi, [such as front running](https://www.paradigm.xyz/2020/08/ethereum-is-a-dark-forest/). > > - There is no need for practices like [Robinhood's payment for order flow](https://web.archive.org/web/20210729220645/https://www.wsj.com/articles/robinhoods-debut-is-clouded-by-sec-scrutiny-of-payment-for-order-flow-11625655600) when trades are publicly broadcasted for the world to see: > > - "[Decentralized exchanges make it easier for anyone to exploit temporary market inefficiencies for a profit. In other words, it’s easier to front-run the market](https://blog.gnosis.pm/decentralized-exchanges-have-a-problem-7e6d81d91ba1)." > > > - "[Trades on decentralized exchanges \(DEX\) are sitting ducks while they remain idle in the processing queue. A small cohort of developers can and do take advantage of this lag time between hitting the trade button and the trade executing on-chain by front-running, back-running or 'sandwiching' a transaction.](https://www.yahoo.com/now/bad-sandwich-defi-trader-poisons-153336603.html)" > > > ##With mediocre UX comes great responsibility > > - DEXs are often not newbie friendly > > - There is a learning curve to self-custodying and creating a web wallet > > - Because of the immutability of blockchain transactions, it can be [easy for even savvy traders to learn an expensive lesson about human error](https://np.reddit.com/r/ethtrader/comments/jo7lj2/help_needed_i_payed_235172_eth_9500_for_120/) > > - The process can be further intimidating when attempting to[ bridge assets on sidechains and L2s](https://ethhole.link/layer2) (and it is precisely smaller, newer traders who benefit most from[ lower fees](https://l2fees.info/)) > > - So it's not surprising that [many users - especially new market participants - would prefer to accept the counterparty risk of a custodial exchange](https://cointelegraph.com/news/coinbase-regains-1-position-on-apple-app-store-as-crypto-com-jumps-to-third) in return for a consumer oriented and streamlined user experience: > > - Given lack of KYC/AML, the majority of DEXs do not allow for onboarding/offboarding fiat and require users to touch a centralized exchange at some point if they want to get money in or out of 'the system'. > > - To go back to the Compound bug, Leshner clarified that his 'doxx' comment was in reference to DeFi users' interactions with centralized exchanges: > > > "[He said that anyone could identify the public Ethereum addresses that interact with the Compound protocol, and whether they engaged with popular exchanges like Coinbase that collect information about users.](https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/04/business/dealbook/facebook-whistleblower-frances-haugen.html)" > > - Few DEXs natively offer the same level of trading functionality as centralized exchanges (e.g. limit orders, stop losses). > > - While centralized exchange users are primarily concerned with fees and spread, DEX users must also familiarize themselves with concepts like [slippage](https://academy.shrimpy.io/post/what-is-slippage-how-to-avoid-slippage-on-defi-exchanges) and [impermanent loss](https://academy.binance.com/en/articles/impermanent-loss-explained) > > - As the market becomes more saturated with DEX platforms and aggregators, it can be difficult for a lay user to evaluate competing promises of trustlessness and decentralization - or recognize when they're being exploited. > > - [Exit scams and rugpulls are prolific](https://decrypt.co/55787/defi-rug-pulls-were-cryptos-top-fraud-scheme-in-2020-ciphertrace) - newbies may find it challenging to verify if a DEX is legitimate, especially when dev teams are anonymous and many users lack technical proficiency to audit the protocol/smart contracts themselves. > > - While hacks and phishing risks aren't limited to DEXs, they expose [users to additional attack vectors](https://coinmarketcap.com/alexandria/article/how-to-identify-and-avoid-uniswap-scams): > > > - Given [the ease of creating \(copy/pasting\) and listing a token](https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/05/business/hype-coins-cryptocurrency.html), it's no surprise that scamcoins abound on DEXs, many of which [spoof legitimacy](https://twitter.com/uniwhalesio/status/1357785710896545792). > > - E.g., [researchers identified over 10K scam tokens and scam liquidity pools on Uniswap V2](https://arxiv.org/abs/2109.00229). > > - Or check out [this recent attack which shows how Uniswap v3 liquidity pools can be manipulated](https://twitter.com/Mudit__Gupta/status/1455627465678749696). > > - More sinister is when [developers tweak the token contract to take your assets](https://twitter.com/r0bster97/status/1338182571558055937) or [remove a token's approval function](https://cryptot3ddybear.github.io/posts/scam-explained-bsc-noapproval/), preventing you from dumping the scamcoin you just bought. > > - Lastly, a DEX often requires users to approve or allow access to a given token before trading. [The default 'unlimited allowance' is convenient, but if exploited it allows bad actors to sweep your funds](https://learn.zapper.fi/articles/how-to-revoke-token-allowances). ***** Would you like to learn more? Check out the [Cointest archive](/r/CointestOfficial/wiki/cointest_archive#wiki_DEX) to find submissions for other topics.

Vivid-Protection5194

$COMP is down 95% since ATH. While all cryptos are down from ATH this one is **a lot** down. Does anyone know if there was an exploit or similar?

SnooTangerines4321

Got a little COMP today

SnooTangerines4321

What about COMP? I bought COMP today am I regarded?

mylastdream15

Well since everyone is shilling... COMP - Compound. It's always making upgrades and is involved in everything in the crypto sphere pretty silently. Lots of MM's involved in it. VERY Limited number will ever exist (less than half of the total BTC that will ever exist) and market cap is WAY down compared to ATH. Sneaky good project that could rocket ship fast. LTC - Litecoin. OG. Always making upgrades. Honestly should probably be amongst the top 10 or even top 5. The fact it's not there is wild to me. XTZ - Tezos. Probably one of the best projects out there. Period. Gets slept on a bit. Could see people waking up to how good it is. Considering the amount of marketing I've seen for this one. The fact it's not much higher always surprises me. Not to mention it's in the news pretty frequently. Avalanche - Just a fan of it in general. Lots of good with it. We'll see.

WB_7

COMP is very underrated.

philosouf

COMP AAVE and UNI it's quite common among whales i would presume that it's for defi purpose

noob_zarathustra

For those looking, they're accumulating COMP, AAVE & UNI

Kiiaru

I'd like to add one. [COMP was hacked for $80 million](https://www.coindesk.com/tech/2021/09/30/defi-money-market-compound-overpays-15m-in-comp-rewards-in-possible-exploit/) though they covered their ass by labeling it an "overpaying issue" in their defi protocol. The best part about the failure? They realized the vulnerability almost immediately, but the smart contract required a governance vote to pass updates before going live, so by the time the fix was implemented, the entire payout wallet was drained.

GodCunt

The 4 alts are MATIC, LINK , COMP, and UNI.

zoomercoomer9000

* 5 million VGV * 300k APE * 900k FET * 4k ETH * 1.1 million BAT * 7.6k COMP * 5.5 million GRT * 8.6 million GALA * 300 billion SHIB All sent to coinbase in the last 24 hours.

skatistic

MOON, STX, RIF, MPL, COMP, BICO, BAT A few more but that's about it when it comes to altcoins for me.

FlowersforAlgorand

As far as alts go, probably LTC, LINK, COMP, MATIC, maybe MANA or GALA...

FlowersforAlgorand

I was able to buy and sell a small bag of COMP when the markets were volatile during Powell's presser. Made like $50.

CointestMod

#DEX Con-Arguments Below is an argument written by MrMoustacheMan which won 1st place in the DEX Con-Arguments topic for a prior [Cointest](/r/CointestOfficial/wiki/cointest_policy) round. > #DEX - Con Argument > > Reusing my previous entry [from here](https://np.reddit.com/r/CryptoCurrency/comments/pfos3j/rcc_cointest_general_concepts_dex_conarguments/hdw1d32/). > > *Disclosure - I currently hold several DEX governance tokens, ~5% of my current portfolio value* > > ##What are decentralized exchanges and automated market makers? > > * (1) Intro: https://decrypt.co/resources/what-is-decentralized-exchange-dex > > * (2) Vitalik's original Reddit post: https://np.reddit.com/r/ethereum/comments/55m04x/lets_run_onchain_decentralized_exchanges_the_way/ > > ##DEX caveats > > I'm extremely bullish on [DeFi](https://decrypt.co/resources/defi-ultimate-beginners-guide-decentralized-finance) and believe DEXs specifically hold great promise in terms of: reducing counterparty risk, preserving anonymity and removing barriers to entry for users looking to trade and earn yield. > > That being said, there are some tradeoffs and limitations of interacting with DEXs to be aware of: > > ##Yo dawg, I heard you like decentralization > > - Decentralization can refer [to the protocol itself or to the governance and development of the protocol/platform](https://miro.medium.com/max/1304/0*epCTOVyxEmQq-AiU). > > - [Decentralization is a spectrum](https://nopara73.medium.com/few-words-on-decentralization-and-anonymous-payments-160782d30b9e) rather than a binary distinction. So a DEX may be [decentralized in some ways but centralized in others](https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2018/07/23/decentralized-exchanges-arent-living-up-to-their-name-and-data-proves-it/). Governance and developer control of a platform, for example, can vary wildly: > > >“Some have large control over their direction, others are governed by venture capital investors, and others have broader communities that vote in changes like an open source project.” > \- [Lex Sokolin, CMO and Global Fintech Co-Head, ConsenSys](https://cryptonews.com/exclusives/why-defi-isn-t-always-as-decentralized-as-you-might-think-7695.htm) > > - Users in the [Uniswap Con Cointest thread](https://np.reddit.com/r/CryptoCurrency/comments/og2r4t/rcryptocurrency_cointest_top_10_category_uniswap/) have articulated many of their concerns about whales and VC interests dominating UNI governance politics. > > - But I'll repeat the example of [Uniswap's unilateral decision to delist tokens](https://decrypt.co/76793/ethrereum-dex-uniswap-drops-tokenized-stocks-as-regulators-close-in) after facing regulatory scrutiny from the SEC. Even if a certain protocol is decentralized, the team can take actions to limit access. > > - Similarly, the DeFi community was not too pleased when Compound CEO Robert Leshner [threatened to doxx users](https://decrypt.co/82387/defi-community-blasts-compound-ceo-for-doxxed-comment) who didn't return COMP tokens after a protocol bug. > > - "Code is law. Unless we fuck up. Then we call the IRS on you." said [Blockstream CSO Samson Mow](https://nitter.com/Excellion/status/1443875126982840330). > > - Another concern would be seemingly decentralized platforms like Bancor having backdoors and the ability to freeze user funds ([which they did after a hack](https://techcrunch.com/2018/07/10/bancor-loses-23-5m/)). > > - [As LTC founder Charlie Lee stated](https://nitter.com/SatoshiLite/status/1016499756158234624): > > >"An exchange is not decentralized if it can lose customer funds OR if it can freeze customer funds. Bancor can do BOTH. It's a false sense of decentralization." > > - [Or, as DOGE founder Jackson Palmer commented](https://medium.datadriveninvestor.com/the-lessons-learned-from-a-false-sense-of-decentralization-875b8c2731a6): > > >“The key thing here is not the hack itself — it’s the fact the Bancor team had the ability to freeze funds. How many other “decentralized” DApps have a built-in kill switch that’s centrally controlled?” > > - In removing gatekeepers and intermediaries, DEXs and AMMs promise a more level financial playing field than the permissioned, opaque system of centralized finance. > > - However, even when governance of an open source platform is 'fair' and decentralized, DEX users are exposed to some of the same financial shenanigans inherent to CeFi, [such as front running](https://www.paradigm.xyz/2020/08/ethereum-is-a-dark-forest/). > > - There is no need for practices like [Robinhood's payment for order flow](https://web.archive.org/web/20210729220645/https://www.wsj.com/articles/robinhoods-debut-is-clouded-by-sec-scrutiny-of-payment-for-order-flow-11625655600) when trades are publicly broadcasted for the world to see: > > - "[Decentralized exchanges make it easier for anyone to exploit temporary market inefficiencies for a profit. In other words, it’s easier to front-run the market](https://blog.gnosis.pm/decentralized-exchanges-have-a-problem-7e6d81d91ba1)." > > > - "[Trades on decentralized exchanges \(DEX\) are sitting ducks while they remain idle in the processing queue. A small cohort of developers can and do take advantage of this lag time between hitting the trade button and the trade executing on-chain by front-running, back-running or 'sandwiching' a transaction.](https://www.yahoo.com/now/bad-sandwich-defi-trader-poisons-153336603.html)" > > > ##With mediocre UX comes great responsibility > > - DEXs are often not newbie friendly > > - There is a learning curve to self-custodying and creating a web wallet > > - Because of the immutability of blockchain transactions, it can be [easy for even savvy traders to learn an expensive lesson about human error](https://np.reddit.com/r/ethtrader/comments/jo7lj2/help_needed_i_payed_235172_eth_9500_for_120/) > > - The process can be further intimidating when attempting to[ bridge assets on sidechains and L2s](https://ethhole.link/layer2) (and it is precisely smaller, newer traders who benefit most from[ lower fees](https://l2fees.info/)) > > - So it's not surprising that [many users - especially new market participants - would prefer to accept the counterparty risk of a custodial exchange](https://cointelegraph.com/news/coinbase-regains-1-position-on-apple-app-store-as-crypto-com-jumps-to-third) in return for a consumer oriented and streamlined user experience: > > - Given lack of KYC/AML, the majority of DEXs do not allow for onboarding/offboarding fiat and require users to touch a centralized exchange at some point if they want to get money in or out of 'the system'. > > - To go back to the Compound bug, Leshner clarified that his 'doxx' comment was in reference to DeFi users' interactions with centralized exchanges: > > > "[He said that anyone could identify the public Ethereum addresses that interact with the Compound protocol, and whether they engaged with popular exchanges like Coinbase that collect information about users.](https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/04/business/dealbook/facebook-whistleblower-frances-haugen.html)" > > - Few DEXs natively offer the same level of trading functionality as centralized exchanges (e.g. limit orders, stop losses). > > - While centralized exchange users are primarily concerned with fees and spread, DEX users must also familiarize themselves with concepts like [slippage](https://academy.shrimpy.io/post/what-is-slippage-how-to-avoid-slippage-on-defi-exchanges) and [impermanent loss](https://academy.binance.com/en/articles/impermanent-loss-explained) > > - As the market becomes more saturated with DEX platforms and aggregators, it can be difficult for a lay user to evaluate competing promises of trustlessness and decentralization - or recognize when they're being exploited. > > - [Exit scams and rugpulls are prolific](https://decrypt.co/55787/defi-rug-pulls-were-cryptos-top-fraud-scheme-in-2020-ciphertrace) - newbies may find it challenging to verify if a DEX is legitimate, especially when dev teams are anonymous and many users lack technical proficiency to audit the protocol/smart contracts themselves. > > - While hacks and phishing risks aren't limited to DEXs, they expose [users to additional attack vectors](https://coinmarketcap.com/alexandria/article/how-to-identify-and-avoid-uniswap-scams): > > > - Given [the ease of creating \(copy/pasting\) and listing a token](https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/05/business/hype-coins-cryptocurrency.html), it's no surprise that scamcoins abound on DEXs, many of which [spoof legitimacy](https://twitter.com/uniwhalesio/status/1357785710896545792). > > - E.g., [researchers identified over 10K scam tokens and scam liquidity pools on Uniswap V2](https://arxiv.org/abs/2109.00229). > > - Or check out [this recent attack which shows how Uniswap v3 liquidity pools can be manipulated](https://twitter.com/Mudit__Gupta/status/1455627465678749696). > > - More sinister is when [developers tweak the token contract to take your assets](https://twitter.com/r0bster97/status/1338182571558055937) or [remove a token's approval function](https://cryptot3ddybear.github.io/posts/scam-explained-bsc-noapproval/), preventing you from dumping the scamcoin you just bought. >... ***** Would you like to learn more? [Click here](/r/CointestOfficial/comments/r6rt5n/general_concepts_round_dex_conarguments_december/) to be taken to the original topic-thread or you can scan through the [Cointest Archive](/r/CointestOfficial/wiki/cointest_archive#wiki_DEX) to find arguments on this topic in other rounds. Since this is a con-argument, what could be a better time to promote the Skeptics Discussion thread? You can find the latest thread [here](/r/CryptoCurrency/comments/1101teu\/daily_general_discussion_february_12_2023_gmt0/).

CointestMod

#DEX Con-Arguments Below is an argument written by MrMoustacheMan which won 1st place in the DEX Con-Arguments topic for a prior [Cointest](/r/CointestOfficial/wiki/cointest_policy) round. > #DEX - Con Argument > > Reusing my previous entry [from here](https://np.reddit.com/r/CryptoCurrency/comments/pfos3j/rcc_cointest_general_concepts_dex_conarguments/hdw1d32/). > > *Disclosure - I currently hold several DEX governance tokens, ~5% of my current portfolio value* > > ##What are decentralized exchanges and automated market makers? > > * (1) Intro: https://decrypt.co/resources/what-is-decentralized-exchange-dex > > * (2) Vitalik's original Reddit post: https://np.reddit.com/r/ethereum/comments/55m04x/lets_run_onchain_decentralized_exchanges_the_way/ > > ##DEX caveats > > I'm extremely bullish on [DeFi](https://decrypt.co/resources/defi-ultimate-beginners-guide-decentralized-finance) and believe DEXs specifically hold great promise in terms of: reducing counterparty risk, preserving anonymity and removing barriers to entry for users looking to trade and earn yield. > > That being said, there are some tradeoffs and limitations of interacting with DEXs to be aware of: > > ##Yo dawg, I heard you like decentralization > > - Decentralization can refer [to the protocol itself or to the governance and development of the protocol/platform](https://miro.medium.com/max/1304/0*epCTOVyxEmQq-AiU). > > - [Decentralization is a spectrum](https://nopara73.medium.com/few-words-on-decentralization-and-anonymous-payments-160782d30b9e) rather than a binary distinction. So a DEX may be [decentralized in some ways but centralized in others](https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2018/07/23/decentralized-exchanges-arent-living-up-to-their-name-and-data-proves-it/). Governance and developer control of a platform, for example, can vary wildly: > > >“Some have large control over their direction, others are governed by venture capital investors, and others have broader communities that vote in changes like an open source project.” > \- [Lex Sokolin, CMO and Global Fintech Co-Head, ConsenSys](https://cryptonews.com/exclusives/why-defi-isn-t-always-as-decentralized-as-you-might-think-7695.htm) > > - Users in the [Uniswap Con Cointest thread](https://np.reddit.com/r/CryptoCurrency/comments/og2r4t/rcryptocurrency_cointest_top_10_category_uniswap/) have articulated many of their concerns about whales and VC interests dominating UNI governance politics. > > - But I'll repeat the example of [Uniswap's unilateral decision to delist tokens](https://decrypt.co/76793/ethrereum-dex-uniswap-drops-tokenized-stocks-as-regulators-close-in) after facing regulatory scrutiny from the SEC. Even if a certain protocol is decentralized, the team can take actions to limit access. > > - Similarly, the DeFi community was not too pleased when Compound CEO Robert Leshner [threatened to doxx users](https://decrypt.co/82387/defi-community-blasts-compound-ceo-for-doxxed-comment) who didn't return COMP tokens after a protocol bug. > > - "Code is law. Unless we fuck up. Then we call the IRS on you." said [Blockstream CSO Samson Mow](https://nitter.com/Excellion/status/1443875126982840330). > > - Another concern would be seemingly decentralized platforms like Bancor having backdoors and the ability to freeze user funds ([which they did after a hack](https://techcrunch.com/2018/07/10/bancor-loses-23-5m/)). > > - [As LTC founder Charlie Lee stated](https://nitter.com/SatoshiLite/status/1016499756158234624): > > >"An exchange is not decentralized if it can lose customer funds OR if it can freeze customer funds. Bancor can do BOTH. It's a false sense of decentralization." > > - [Or, as DOGE founder Jackson Palmer commented](https://medium.datadriveninvestor.com/the-lessons-learned-from-a-false-sense-of-decentralization-875b8c2731a6): > > >“The key thing here is not the hack itself — it’s the fact the Bancor team had the ability to freeze funds. How many other “decentralized” DApps have a built-in kill switch that’s centrally controlled?” > > - In removing gatekeepers and intermediaries, DEXs and AMMs promise a more level financial playing field than the permissioned, opaque system of centralized finance. > > - However, even when governance of an open source platform is 'fair' and decentralized, DEX users are exposed to some of the same financial shenanigans inherent to CeFi, [such as front running](https://www.paradigm.xyz/2020/08/ethereum-is-a-dark-forest/). > > - There is no need for practices like [Robinhood's payment for order flow](https://web.archive.org/web/20210729220645/https://www.wsj.com/articles/robinhoods-debut-is-clouded-by-sec-scrutiny-of-payment-for-order-flow-11625655600) when trades are publicly broadcasted for the world to see: > > - "[Decentralized exchanges make it easier for anyone to exploit temporary market inefficiencies for a profit. In other words, it’s easier to front-run the market](https://blog.gnosis.pm/decentralized-exchanges-have-a-problem-7e6d81d91ba1)." > > > - "[Trades on decentralized exchanges \(DEX\) are sitting ducks while they remain idle in the processing queue. A small cohort of developers can and do take advantage of this lag time between hitting the trade button and the trade executing on-chain by front-running, back-running or 'sandwiching' a transaction.](https://www.yahoo.com/now/bad-sandwich-defi-trader-poisons-153336603.html)" > > > ##With mediocre UX comes great responsibility > > - DEXs are often not newbie friendly > > - There is a learning curve to self-custodying and creating a web wallet > > - Because of the immutability of blockchain transactions, it can be [easy for even savvy traders to learn an expensive lesson about human error](https://np.reddit.com/r/ethtrader/comments/jo7lj2/help_needed_i_payed_235172_eth_9500_for_120/) > > - The process can be further intimidating when attempting to[ bridge assets on sidechains and L2s](https://ethhole.link/layer2) (and it is precisely smaller, newer traders who benefit most from[ lower fees](https://l2fees.info/)) > > - So it's not surprising that [many users - especially new market participants - would prefer to accept the counterparty risk of a custodial exchange](https://cointelegraph.com/news/coinbase-regains-1-position-on-apple-app-store-as-crypto-com-jumps-to-third) in return for a consumer oriented and streamlined user experience: > > - Given lack of KYC/AML, the majority of DEXs do not allow for onboarding/offboarding fiat and require users to touch a centralized exchange at some point if they want to get money in or out of 'the system'. > > - To go back to the Compound bug, Leshner clarified that his 'doxx' comment was in reference to DeFi users' interactions with centralized exchanges: > > > "[He said that anyone could identify the public Ethereum addresses that interact with the Compound protocol, and whether they engaged with popular exchanges like Coinbase that collect information about users.](https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/04/business/dealbook/facebook-whistleblower-frances-haugen.html)" > > - Few DEXs natively offer the same level of trading functionality as centralized exchanges (e.g. limit orders, stop losses). > > - While centralized exchange users are primarily concerned with fees and spread, DEX users must also familiarize themselves with concepts like [slippage](https://academy.shrimpy.io/post/what-is-slippage-how-to-avoid-slippage-on-defi-exchanges) and [impermanent loss](https://academy.binance.com/en/articles/impermanent-loss-explained) > > - As the market becomes more saturated with DEX platforms and aggregators, it can be difficult for a lay user to evaluate competing promises of trustlessness and decentralization - or recognize when they're being exploited. > > - [Exit scams and rugpulls are prolific](https://decrypt.co/55787/defi-rug-pulls-were-cryptos-top-fraud-scheme-in-2020-ciphertrace) - newbies may find it challenging to verify if a DEX is legitimate, especially when dev teams are anonymous and many users lack technical proficiency to audit the protocol/smart contracts themselves. > > - While hacks and phishing risks aren't limited to DEXs, they expose [users to additional attack vectors](https://coinmarketcap.com/alexandria/article/how-to-identify-and-avoid-uniswap-scams): > > > - Given [the ease of creating \(copy/pasting\) and listing a token](https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/05/business/hype-coins-cryptocurrency.html), it's no surprise that scamcoins abound on DEXs, many of which [spoof legitimacy](https://twitter.com/uniwhalesio/status/1357785710896545792). > > - E.g., [researchers identified over 10K scam tokens and scam liquidity pools on Uniswap V2](https://arxiv.org/abs/2109.00229). > > - Or check out [this recent attack which shows how Uniswap v3 liquidity pools can be manipulated](https://twitter.com/Mudit__Gupta/status/1455627465678749696). > > - More sinister is when [developers tweak the token contract to take your assets](https://twitter.com/r0bster97/status/1338182571558055937) or [remove a token's approval function](https://cryptot3ddybear.github.io/posts/scam-explained-bsc-noapproval/), preventing you from dumping the scamcoin you just bought. >... ***** Would you like to learn more? [Click here](/r/CointestOfficial/comments/r6rt5n/general_concepts_round_dex_conarguments_december/) to be taken to the original topic-thread or you can scan through the [Cointest Archive](/r/CointestOfficial/wiki/cointest_archive#wiki_DEX) to find arguments on this topic in other rounds. Since this is a con-argument, what could be a better time to promote the Skeptics Discussion thread? You can find the latest thread [here](/r/CryptoCurrency/comments/1101teu\/daily_general_discussion_february_12_2023_gmt0/).

Tenzu9

I think those coins have a lot of promise: Kaspa (KAS): a DAG based blockchain with super fast transactions. Crust (CRU) and Filecoin (Fil): Blockchain based storage services. Stacks (STX): a bitcoin layer 2 with support for smart contracts and staking that pays out in bitcoin! Lido (LDO), Inverse (Inv), Aave (AAVE) and Compound (COMP): DeFi ETH Lending/Staking platforms. Those coins are gonna blow up now that is ETH is validated in PoS. ETH holders will probably want to stake with those platforms if they dont have the necessary requirements to stake by themselves.

CointestMod

#DEX Con-Arguments Below is an argument written by MrMoustacheMan which won 1st place in the DEX Con-Arguments topic for a prior [Cointest](/r/CointestOfficial/wiki/cointest_policy) round. > #DEX - Con Argument > > Reusing my previous entry [from here](https://np.reddit.com/r/CryptoCurrency/comments/pfos3j/rcc_cointest_general_concepts_dex_conarguments/hdw1d32/). > > *Disclosure - I currently hold several DEX governance tokens, ~5% of my current portfolio value* > > ##What are decentralized exchanges and automated market makers? > > * (1) Intro: https://decrypt.co/resources/what-is-decentralized-exchange-dex > > * (2) Vitalik's original Reddit post: https://np.reddit.com/r/ethereum/comments/55m04x/lets_run_onchain_decentralized_exchanges_the_way/ > > ##DEX caveats > > I'm extremely bullish on [DeFi](https://decrypt.co/resources/defi-ultimate-beginners-guide-decentralized-finance) and believe DEXs specifically hold great promise in terms of: reducing counterparty risk, preserving anonymity and removing barriers to entry for users looking to trade and earn yield. > > That being said, there are some tradeoffs and limitations of interacting with DEXs to be aware of: > > ##Yo dawg, I heard you like decentralization > > - Decentralization can refer [to the protocol itself or to the governance and development of the protocol/platform](https://miro.medium.com/max/1304/0*epCTOVyxEmQq-AiU). > > - [Decentralization is a spectrum](https://nopara73.medium.com/few-words-on-decentralization-and-anonymous-payments-160782d30b9e) rather than a binary distinction. So a DEX may be [decentralized in some ways but centralized in others](https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2018/07/23/decentralized-exchanges-arent-living-up-to-their-name-and-data-proves-it/). Governance and developer control of a platform, for example, can vary wildly: > > >“Some have large control over their direction, others are governed by venture capital investors, and others have broader communities that vote in changes like an open source project.” > \- [Lex Sokolin, CMO and Global Fintech Co-Head, ConsenSys](https://cryptonews.com/exclusives/why-defi-isn-t-always-as-decentralized-as-you-might-think-7695.htm) > > - Users in the [Uniswap Con Cointest thread](https://np.reddit.com/r/CryptoCurrency/comments/og2r4t/rcryptocurrency_cointest_top_10_category_uniswap/) have articulated many of their concerns about whales and VC interests dominating UNI governance politics. > > - But I'll repeat the example of [Uniswap's unilateral decision to delist tokens](https://decrypt.co/76793/ethrereum-dex-uniswap-drops-tokenized-stocks-as-regulators-close-in) after facing regulatory scrutiny from the SEC. Even if a certain protocol is decentralized, the team can take actions to limit access. > > - Similarly, the DeFi community was not too pleased when Compound CEO Robert Leshner [threatened to doxx users](https://decrypt.co/82387/defi-community-blasts-compound-ceo-for-doxxed-comment) who didn't return COMP tokens after a protocol bug. > > - "Code is law. Unless we fuck up. Then we call the IRS on you." said [Blockstream CSO Samson Mow](https://nitter.com/Excellion/status/1443875126982840330). > > - Another concern would be seemingly decentralized platforms like Bancor having backdoors and the ability to freeze user funds ([which they did after a hack](https://techcrunch.com/2018/07/10/bancor-loses-23-5m/)). > > - [As LTC founder Charlie Lee stated](https://nitter.com/SatoshiLite/status/1016499756158234624): > > >"An exchange is not decentralized if it can lose customer funds OR if it can freeze customer funds. Bancor can do BOTH. It's a false sense of decentralization." > > - [Or, as DOGE founder Jackson Palmer commented](https://medium.datadriveninvestor.com/the-lessons-learned-from-a-false-sense-of-decentralization-875b8c2731a6): > > >“The key thing here is not the hack itself — it’s the fact the Bancor team had the ability to freeze funds. How many other “decentralized” DApps have a built-in kill switch that’s centrally controlled?” > > - In removing gatekeepers and intermediaries, DEXs and AMMs promise a more level financial playing field than the permissioned, opaque system of centralized finance. > > - However, even when governance of an open source platform is 'fair' and decentralized, DEX users are exposed to some of the same financial shenanigans inherent to CeFi, [such as front running](https://www.paradigm.xyz/2020/08/ethereum-is-a-dark-forest/). > > - There is no need for practices like [Robinhood's payment for order flow](https://web.archive.org/web/20210729220645/https://www.wsj.com/articles/robinhoods-debut-is-clouded-by-sec-scrutiny-of-payment-for-order-flow-11625655600) when trades are publicly broadcasted for the world to see: > > - "[Decentralized exchanges make it easier for anyone to exploit temporary market inefficiencies for a profit. In other words, it’s easier to front-run the market](https://blog.gnosis.pm/decentralized-exchanges-have-a-problem-7e6d81d91ba1)." > > > - "[Trades on decentralized exchanges \(DEX\) are sitting ducks while they remain idle in the processing queue. A small cohort of developers can and do take advantage of this lag time between hitting the trade button and the trade executing on-chain by front-running, back-running or 'sandwiching' a transaction.](https://www.yahoo.com/now/bad-sandwich-defi-trader-poisons-153336603.html)" > > > ##With mediocre UX comes great responsibility > > - DEXs are often not newbie friendly > > - There is a learning curve to self-custodying and creating a web wallet > > - Because of the immutability of blockchain transactions, it can be [easy for even savvy traders to learn an expensive lesson about human error](https://np.reddit.com/r/ethtrader/comments/jo7lj2/help_needed_i_payed_235172_eth_9500_for_120/) > > - The process can be further intimidating when attempting to[ bridge assets on sidechains and L2s](https://ethhole.link/layer2) (and it is precisely smaller, newer traders who benefit most from[ lower fees](https://l2fees.info/)) > > - So it's not surprising that [many users - especially new market participants - would prefer to accept the counterparty risk of a custodial exchange](https://cointelegraph.com/news/coinbase-regains-1-position-on-apple-app-store-as-crypto-com-jumps-to-third) in return for a consumer oriented and streamlined user experience: > > - Given lack of KYC/AML, the majority of DEXs do not allow for onboarding/offboarding fiat and require users to touch a centralized exchange at some point if they want to get money in or out of 'the system'. > > - To go back to the Compound bug, Leshner clarified that his 'doxx' comment was in reference to DeFi users' interactions with centralized exchanges: > > > "[He said that anyone could identify the public Ethereum addresses that interact with the Compound protocol, and whether they engaged with popular exchanges like Coinbase that collect information about users.](https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/04/business/dealbook/facebook-whistleblower-frances-haugen.html)" > > - Few DEXs natively offer the same level of trading functionality as centralized exchanges (e.g. limit orders, stop losses). > > - While centralized exchange users are primarily concerned with fees and spread, DEX users must also familiarize themselves with concepts like [slippage](https://academy.shrimpy.io/post/what-is-slippage-how-to-avoid-slippage-on-defi-exchanges) and [impermanent loss](https://academy.binance.com/en/articles/impermanent-loss-explained) > > - As the market becomes more saturated with DEX platforms and aggregators, it can be difficult for a lay user to evaluate competing promises of trustlessness and decentralization - or recognize when they're being exploited. > > - [Exit scams and rugpulls are prolific](https://decrypt.co/55787/defi-rug-pulls-were-cryptos-top-fraud-scheme-in-2020-ciphertrace) - newbies may find it challenging to verify if a DEX is legitimate, especially when dev teams are anonymous and many users lack technical proficiency to audit the protocol/smart contracts themselves. > > - While hacks and phishing risks aren't limited to DEXs, they expose [users to additional attack vectors](https://coinmarketcap.com/alexandria/article/how-to-identify-and-avoid-uniswap-scams): > > > - Given [the ease of creating \(copy/pasting\) and listing a token](https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/05/business/hype-coins-cryptocurrency.html), it's no surprise that scamcoins abound on DEXs, many of which [spoof legitimacy](https://twitter.com/uniwhalesio/status/1357785710896545792). > > - E.g., [researchers identified over 10K scam tokens and scam liquidity pools on Uniswap V2](https://arxiv.org/abs/2109.00229). > > - Or check out [this recent attack which shows how Uniswap v3 liquidity pools can be manipulated](https://twitter.com/Mudit__Gupta/status/1455627465678749696). > > - More sinister is when [developers tweak the token contract to take your assets](https://twitter.com/r0bster97/status/1338182571558055937) or [remove a token's approval function](https://cryptot3ddybear.github.io/posts/scam-explained-bsc-noapproval/), preventing you from dumping the scamcoin you just bought. > ... ***** Would you like to learn more? [Click here](/r/CointestOfficial/comments/r6rt5n/general_concepts_round_dex_conarguments_december/) to be taken to the original topic-thread or you can scan through the [Cointest Archive](/r/CointestOfficial/wiki/cointest_archive#wiki_DEX) to find arguments on this topic in other rounds. Since this is a con-argument, what could be a better time to promote the Skeptics Discussion thread? You can find the latest thread [here](/r/CryptoCurrency/comments/10whfyz/daily_general_discussion_february_8_2023_gmt0/).

Successful-Egg-6765

50% ethereum, 20% COMP 15% MANIC 15% shitcoin

theonepercent65536

I have three criteria right now: 1. Has a maximum supply (non inflationary) 2. At least 70% of max supply is circulating (won’t dilute much in bull run) 3. Price is at least 1/4 of ATH (has at least 4x potential back to ATH) As a perk I prefer coins I can stake to earn more from any supply not yet circulating. Based on this I own: ALGO, ADA, LRC, COMP, 0X, CRO And before i insight the fury of the maxis, I also own BTC and ETH which I just HODL. The others I try to trade, but generally am just going to wait til we get back to ATH.

OisinT

Is COMP the only coin going down today?

CointestMod

#DEX Con-Arguments Below is an argument written by MrMoustacheMan which won 1st place in the DEX Con-Arguments topic for a prior [Cointest](/r/CointestOfficial/wiki/cointest_policy) round. > #DEX - Con Argument > > Reusing my previous entry [from here](https://np.reddit.com/r/CryptoCurrency/comments/pfos3j/rcc_cointest_general_concepts_dex_conarguments/hdw1d32/). > > *Disclosure - I currently hold several DEX governance tokens, ~5% of my current portfolio value* > > ##What are decentralized exchanges and automated market makers? > > * (1) Intro: https://decrypt.co/resources/what-is-decentralized-exchange-dex > > * (2) Vitalik's original Reddit post: https://np.reddit.com/r/ethereum/comments/55m04x/lets_run_onchain_decentralized_exchanges_the_way/ > > ##DEX caveats > > I'm extremely bullish on [DeFi](https://decrypt.co/resources/defi-ultimate-beginners-guide-decentralized-finance) and believe DEXs specifically hold great promise in terms of: reducing counterparty risk, preserving anonymity and removing barriers to entry for users looking to trade and earn yield. > > That being said, there are some tradeoffs and limitations of interacting with DEXs to be aware of: > > ##Yo dawg, I heard you like decentralization > > - Decentralization can refer [to the protocol itself or to the governance and development of the protocol/platform](https://miro.medium.com/max/1304/0*epCTOVyxEmQq-AiU). > > - [Decentralization is a spectrum](https://nopara73.medium.com/few-words-on-decentralization-and-anonymous-payments-160782d30b9e) rather than a binary distinction. So a DEX may be [decentralized in some ways but centralized in others](https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2018/07/23/decentralized-exchanges-arent-living-up-to-their-name-and-data-proves-it/). Governance and developer control of a platform, for example, can vary wildly: > > >“Some have large control over their direction, others are governed by venture capital investors, and others have broader communities that vote in changes like an open source project.” > \- [Lex Sokolin, CMO and Global Fintech Co-Head, ConsenSys](https://cryptonews.com/exclusives/why-defi-isn-t-always-as-decentralized-as-you-might-think-7695.htm) > > - Users in the [Uniswap Con Cointest thread](https://np.reddit.com/r/CryptoCurrency/comments/og2r4t/rcryptocurrency_cointest_top_10_category_uniswap/) have articulated many of their concerns about whales and VC interests dominating UNI governance politics. > > - But I'll repeat the example of [Uniswap's unilateral decision to delist tokens](https://decrypt.co/76793/ethrereum-dex-uniswap-drops-tokenized-stocks-as-regulators-close-in) after facing regulatory scrutiny from the SEC. Even if a certain protocol is decentralized, the team can take actions to limit access. > > - Similarly, the DeFi community was not too pleased when Compound CEO Robert Leshner [threatened to doxx users](https://decrypt.co/82387/defi-community-blasts-compound-ceo-for-doxxed-comment) who didn't return COMP tokens after a protocol bug. > > - "Code is law. Unless we fuck up. Then we call the IRS on you." said [Blockstream CSO Samson Mow](https://nitter.com/Excellion/status/1443875126982840330). > > - Another concern would be seemingly decentralized platforms like Bancor having backdoors and the ability to freeze user funds ([which they did after a hack](https://techcrunch.com/2018/07/10/bancor-loses-23-5m/)). > > - [As LTC founder Charlie Lee stated](https://nitter.com/SatoshiLite/status/1016499756158234624): > > >"An exchange is not decentralized if it can lose customer funds OR if it can freeze customer funds. Bancor can do BOTH. It's a false sense of decentralization." > > - [Or, as DOGE founder Jackson Palmer commented](https://medium.datadriveninvestor.com/the-lessons-learned-from-a-false-sense-of-decentralization-875b8c2731a6): > > >“The key thing here is not the hack itself — it’s the fact the Bancor team had the ability to freeze funds. How many other “decentralized” DApps have a built-in kill switch that’s centrally controlled?” > > - In removing gatekeepers and intermediaries, DEXs and AMMs promise a more level financial playing field than the permissioned, opaque system of centralized finance. > > - However, even when governance of an open source platform is 'fair' and decentralized, DEX users are exposed to some of the same financial shenanigans inherent to CeFi, [such as front running](https://www.paradigm.xyz/2020/08/ethereum-is-a-dark-forest/). > > - There is no need for practices like [Robinhood's payment for order flow](https://web.archive.org/web/20210729220645/https://www.wsj.com/articles/robinhoods-debut-is-clouded-by-sec-scrutiny-of-payment-for-order-flow-11625655600) when trades are publicly broadcasted for the world to see: > > - "[Decentralized exchanges make it easier for anyone to exploit temporary market inefficiencies for a profit. In other words, it’s easier to front-run the market](https://blog.gnosis.pm/decentralized-exchanges-have-a-problem-7e6d81d91ba1)." > > > - "[Trades on decentralized exchanges \(DEX\) are sitting ducks while they remain idle in the processing queue. A small cohort of developers can and do take advantage of this lag time between hitting the trade button and the trade executing on-chain by front-running, back-running or 'sandwiching' a transaction.](https://www.yahoo.com/now/bad-sandwich-defi-trader-poisons-153336603.html)" > > > ##With mediocre UX comes great responsibility > > - DEXs are often not newbie friendly > > - There is a learning curve to self-custodying and creating a web wallet > > - Because of the immutability of blockchain transactions, it can be [easy for even savvy traders to learn an expensive lesson about human error](https://np.reddit.com/r/ethtrader/comments/jo7lj2/help_needed_i_payed_235172_eth_9500_for_120/) > > - The process can be further intimidating when attempting to[ bridge assets on sidechains and L2s](https://ethhole.link/layer2) (and it is precisely smaller, newer traders who benefit most from[ lower fees](https://l2fees.info/)) > > - So it's not surprising that [many users - especially new market participants - would prefer to accept the counterparty risk of a custodial exchange](https://cointelegraph.com/news/coinbase-regains-1-position-on-apple-app-store-as-crypto-com-jumps-to-third) in return for a consumer oriented and streamlined user experience: > > - Given lack of KYC/AML, the majority of DEXs do not allow for onboarding/offboarding fiat and require users to touch a centralized exchange at some point if they want to get money in or out of 'the system'. > > - To go back to the Compound bug, Leshner clarified that his 'doxx' comment was in reference to DeFi users' interactions with centralized exchanges: > > > "[He said that anyone could identify the public Ethereum addresses that interact with the Compound protocol, and whether they engaged with popular exchanges like Coinbase that collect information about users.](https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/04/business/dealbook/facebook-whistleblower-frances-haugen.html)" > > - Few DEXs natively offer the same level of trading functionality as centralized exchanges (e.g. limit orders, stop losses). > > - While centralized exchange users are primarily concerned with fees and spread, DEX users must also familiarize themselves with concepts like [slippage](https://academy.shrimpy.io/post/what-is-slippage-how-to-avoid-slippage-on-defi-exchanges) and [impermanent loss](https://academy.binance.com/en/articles/impermanent-loss-explained) > > - As the market becomes more saturated with DEX platforms and aggregators, it can be difficult for a lay user to evaluate competing promises of trustlessness and decentralization - or recognize when they're being exploited. > > - [Exit scams and rugpulls are prolific](https://decrypt.co/55787/defi-rug-pulls-were-cryptos-top-fraud-scheme-in-2020-ciphertrace) - newbies may find it challenging to verify if a DEX is legitimate, especially when dev teams are anonymous and many users lack technical proficiency to audit the protocol/smart contracts themselves. > > - While hacks and phishing risks aren't limited to DEXs, they expose [users to additional attack vectors](https://coinmarketcap.com/alexandria/article/how-to-identify-and-avoid-uniswap-scams): > > > - Given [the ease of creating \(copy/pasting\) and listing a token](https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/05/business/hype-coins-cryptocurrency.html), it's no surprise that scamcoins abound on DEXs, many of which [spoof legitimacy](https://twitter.com/uniwhalesio/status/1357785710896545792). > > - E.g., [researchers identified over 10K scam tokens and scam liquidity pools on Uniswap V2](https://arxiv.org/abs/2109.00229). > > - Or check out [this recent attack which shows how Uniswap v3 liquidity pools can be manipulated](https://twitter.com/Mudit__Gupta/status/1455627465678749696). > > - More sinister is when [developers tweak the token contract to take your assets](https://twitter.com/r0bster97/status/1338182571558055937) or [remove a token's approval function](https://cryptot3ddybear.github.io/posts/scam-explained-bsc-noapproval/), preventing you from dumping the scamcoin you just bought. > ... ***** Would you like to learn more? [Click here](/r/CointestOfficial/comments/r6rt5n/general_concepts_round_dex_conarguments_december/) to be taken to the original topic-thread or you can scan through the [Cointest Archive](/r/CointestOfficial/wiki/cointest_archive#wiki_DEX) to find arguments on this topic in other rounds. Since this is a con-argument, what could be a better time to promote the Skeptics Discussion thread? You can find the latest thread [here](/r/CryptoCurrency/comments/10ntjbo/daily_general_discussion_january_29_2023_gmt0/).

CointestMod

#DEX Con-Arguments Below is an argument written by MrMoustacheMan which won 1st place in the DEX Con-Arguments topic for a prior [Cointest](/r/CointestOfficial/wiki/cointest_policy) round. > #DEX - Con Argument > > Reusing my previous entry [from here](https://np.reddit.com/r/CryptoCurrency/comments/pfos3j/rcc_cointest_general_concepts_dex_conarguments/hdw1d32/). > > *Disclosure - I currently hold several DEX governance tokens, ~5% of my current portfolio value* > > ##What are decentralized exchanges and automated market makers? > > * (1) Intro: https://decrypt.co/resources/what-is-decentralized-exchange-dex > > * (2) Vitalik's original Reddit post: https://np.reddit.com/r/ethereum/comments/55m04x/lets_run_onchain_decentralized_exchanges_the_way/ > > ##DEX caveats > > I'm extremely bullish on [DeFi](https://decrypt.co/resources/defi-ultimate-beginners-guide-decentralized-finance) and believe DEXs specifically hold great promise in terms of: reducing counterparty risk, preserving anonymity and removing barriers to entry for users looking to trade and earn yield. > > That being said, there are some tradeoffs and limitations of interacting with DEXs to be aware of: > > ##Yo dawg, I heard you like decentralization > > - Decentralization can refer [to the protocol itself or to the governance and development of the protocol/platform](https://miro.medium.com/max/1304/0*epCTOVyxEmQq-AiU). > > - [Decentralization is a spectrum](https://nopara73.medium.com/few-words-on-decentralization-and-anonymous-payments-160782d30b9e) rather than a binary distinction. So a DEX may be [decentralized in some ways but centralized in others](https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2018/07/23/decentralized-exchanges-arent-living-up-to-their-name-and-data-proves-it/). Governance and developer control of a platform, for example, can vary wildly: > > >“Some have large control over their direction, others are governed by venture capital investors, and others have broader communities that vote in changes like an open source project.” > \- [Lex Sokolin, CMO and Global Fintech Co-Head, ConsenSys](https://cryptonews.com/exclusives/why-defi-isn-t-always-as-decentralized-as-you-might-think-7695.htm) > > - Users in the [Uniswap Con Cointest thread](https://np.reddit.com/r/CryptoCurrency/comments/og2r4t/rcryptocurrency_cointest_top_10_category_uniswap/) have articulated many of their concerns about whales and VC interests dominating UNI governance politics. > > - But I'll repeat the example of [Uniswap's unilateral decision to delist tokens](https://decrypt.co/76793/ethrereum-dex-uniswap-drops-tokenized-stocks-as-regulators-close-in) after facing regulatory scrutiny from the SEC. Even if a certain protocol is decentralized, the team can take actions to limit access. > > - Similarly, the DeFi community was not too pleased when Compound CEO Robert Leshner [threatened to doxx users](https://decrypt.co/82387/defi-community-blasts-compound-ceo-for-doxxed-comment) who didn't return COMP tokens after a protocol bug. > > - "Code is law. Unless we fuck up. Then we call the IRS on you." said [Blockstream CSO Samson Mow](https://nitter.com/Excellion/status/1443875126982840330). > > - Another concern would be seemingly decentralized platforms like Bancor having backdoors and the ability to freeze user funds ([which they did after a hack](https://techcrunch.com/2018/07/10/bancor-loses-23-5m/)). > > - [As LTC founder Charlie Lee stated](https://nitter.com/SatoshiLite/status/1016499756158234624): > > >"An exchange is not decentralized if it can lose customer funds OR if it can freeze customer funds. Bancor can do BOTH. It's a false sense of decentralization." > > - [Or, as DOGE founder Jackson Palmer commented](https://medium.datadriveninvestor.com/the-lessons-learned-from-a-false-sense-of-decentralization-875b8c2731a6): > > >“The key thing here is not the hack itself — it’s the fact the Bancor team had the ability to freeze funds. How many other “decentralized” DApps have a built-in kill switch that’s centrally controlled?” > > - In removing gatekeepers and intermediaries, DEXs and AMMs promise a more level financial playing field than the permissioned, opaque system of centralized finance. > > - However, even when governance of an open source platform is 'fair' and decentralized, DEX users are exposed to some of the same financial shenanigans inherent to CeFi, [such as front running](https://www.paradigm.xyz/2020/08/ethereum-is-a-dark-forest/). > > - There is no need for practices like [Robinhood's payment for order flow](https://web.archive.org/web/20210729220645/https://www.wsj.com/articles/robinhoods-debut-is-clouded-by-sec-scrutiny-of-payment-for-order-flow-11625655600) when trades are publicly broadcasted for the world to see: > > - "[Decentralized exchanges make it easier for anyone to exploit temporary market inefficiencies for a profit. In other words, it’s easier to front-run the market](https://blog.gnosis.pm/decentralized-exchanges-have-a-problem-7e6d81d91ba1)." > > > - "[Trades on decentralized exchanges \(DEX\) are sitting ducks while they remain idle in the processing queue. A small cohort of developers can and do take advantage of this lag time between hitting the trade button and the trade executing on-chain by front-running, back-running or 'sandwiching' a transaction.](https://www.yahoo.com/now/bad-sandwich-defi-trader-poisons-153336603.html)" > > > ##With mediocre UX comes great responsibility > > - DEXs are often not newbie friendly > > - There is a learning curve to self-custodying and creating a web wallet > > - Because of the immutability of blockchain transactions, it can be [easy for even savvy traders to learn an expensive lesson about human error](https://np.reddit.com/r/ethtrader/comments/jo7lj2/help_needed_i_payed_235172_eth_9500_for_120/) > > - The process can be further intimidating when attempting to[ bridge assets on sidechains and L2s](https://ethhole.link/layer2) (and it is precisely smaller, newer traders who benefit most from[ lower fees](https://l2fees.info/)) > > - So it's not surprising that [many users - especially new market participants - would prefer to accept the counterparty risk of a custodial exchange](https://cointelegraph.com/news/coinbase-regains-1-position-on-apple-app-store-as-crypto-com-jumps-to-third) in return for a consumer oriented and streamlined user experience: > > - Given lack of KYC/AML, the majority of DEXs do not allow for onboarding/offboarding fiat and require users to touch a centralized exchange at some point if they want to get money in or out of 'the system'. > > - To go back to the Compound bug, Leshner clarified that his 'doxx' comment was in reference to DeFi users' interactions with centralized exchanges: > > > "[He said that anyone could identify the public Ethereum addresses that interact with the Compound protocol, and whether they engaged with popular exchanges like Coinbase that collect information about users.](https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/04/business/dealbook/facebook-whistleblower-frances-haugen.html)" > > - Few DEXs natively offer the same level of trading functionality as centralized exchanges (e.g. limit orders, stop losses). > > - While centralized exchange users are primarily concerned with fees and spread, DEX users must also familiarize themselves with concepts like [slippage](https://academy.shrimpy.io/post/what-is-slippage-how-to-avoid-slippage-on-defi-exchanges) and [impermanent loss](https://academy.binance.com/en/articles/impermanent-loss-explained) > > - As the market becomes more saturated with DEX platforms and aggregators, it can be difficult for a lay user to evaluate competing promises of trustlessness and decentralization - or recognize when they're being exploited. > > - [Exit scams and rugpulls are prolific](https://decrypt.co/55787/defi-rug-pulls-were-cryptos-top-fraud-scheme-in-2020-ciphertrace) - newbies may find it challenging to verify if a DEX is legitimate, especially when dev teams are anonymous and many users lack technical proficiency to audit the protocol/smart contracts themselves. > > - While hacks and phishing risks aren't limited to DEXs, they expose [users to additional attack vectors](https://coinmarketcap.com/alexandria/article/how-to-identify-and-avoid-uniswap-scams): > > > - Given [the ease of creating \(copy/pasting\) and listing a token](https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/05/business/hype-coins-cryptocurrency.html), it's no surprise that scamcoins abound on DEXs, many of which [spoof legitimacy](https://twitter.com/uniwhalesio/status/1357785710896545792). > > - E.g., [researchers identified over 10K scam tokens and scam liquidity pools on Uniswap V2](https://arxiv.org/abs/2109.00229). > > - Or check out [this recent attack which shows how Uniswap v3 liquidity pools can be manipulated](https://twitter.com/Mudit__Gupta/status/1455627465678749696). > > - More sinister is when [developers tweak the token contract to take your assets](https://twitter.com/r0bster97/status/1338182571558055937) or [remove a token's approval function](https://cryptot3ddybear.github.io/posts/scam-explained-bsc-noapproval/), preventing you from dumping the scamcoin you just bought. > ... ***** Would you like to learn more? [Click here](/r/CointestOfficial/comments/r6rt5n/general_concepts_round_dex_conarguments_december/) to be taken to the original topic-thread or you can scan through the [Cointest Archive](/r/CointestOfficial/wiki/cointest_archive#wiki_DEX) to find arguments on this topic in other rounds. Since this is a con-argument, what could be a better time to promote the Skeptics Discussion thread? You can find the latest thread [here](/r/CryptoCurrency/comments/10n0btk/daily_general_discussion_january_28_2023_gmt0/).

CointestMod

#DEX Con-Arguments Below is an argument written by MrMoustacheMan which won 1st place in the DEX Con-Arguments topic for a prior [Cointest](/r/CointestOfficial/wiki/cointest_policy) round. > #DEX - Con Argument > > Reusing my previous entry [from here](https://np.reddit.com/r/CryptoCurrency/comments/pfos3j/rcc_cointest_general_concepts_dex_conarguments/hdw1d32/). > > *Disclosure - I currently hold several DEX governance tokens, ~5% of my current portfolio value* > > ##What are decentralized exchanges and automated market makers? > > * (1) Intro: https://decrypt.co/resources/what-is-decentralized-exchange-dex > > * (2) Vitalik's original Reddit post: https://np.reddit.com/r/ethereum/comments/55m04x/lets_run_onchain_decentralized_exchanges_the_way/ > > ##DEX caveats > > I'm extremely bullish on [DeFi](https://decrypt.co/resources/defi-ultimate-beginners-guide-decentralized-finance) and believe DEXs specifically hold great promise in terms of: reducing counterparty risk, preserving anonymity and removing barriers to entry for users looking to trade and earn yield. > > That being said, there are some tradeoffs and limitations of interacting with DEXs to be aware of: > > ##Yo dawg, I heard you like decentralization > > - Decentralization can refer [to the protocol itself or to the governance and development of the protocol/platform](https://miro.medium.com/max/1304/0*epCTOVyxEmQq-AiU). > > - [Decentralization is a spectrum](https://nopara73.medium.com/few-words-on-decentralization-and-anonymous-payments-160782d30b9e) rather than a binary distinction. So a DEX may be [decentralized in some ways but centralized in others](https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2018/07/23/decentralized-exchanges-arent-living-up-to-their-name-and-data-proves-it/). Governance and developer control of a platform, for example, can vary wildly: > > >“Some have large control over their direction, others are governed by venture capital investors, and others have broader communities that vote in changes like an open source project.” > \- [Lex Sokolin, CMO and Global Fintech Co-Head, ConsenSys](https://cryptonews.com/exclusives/why-defi-isn-t-always-as-decentralized-as-you-might-think-7695.htm) > > - Users in the [Uniswap Con Cointest thread](https://np.reddit.com/r/CryptoCurrency/comments/og2r4t/rcryptocurrency_cointest_top_10_category_uniswap/) have articulated many of their concerns about whales and VC interests dominating UNI governance politics. > > - But I'll repeat the example of [Uniswap's unilateral decision to delist tokens](https://decrypt.co/76793/ethrereum-dex-uniswap-drops-tokenized-stocks-as-regulators-close-in) after facing regulatory scrutiny from the SEC. Even if a certain protocol is decentralized, the team can take actions to limit access. > > - Similarly, the DeFi community was not too pleased when Compound CEO Robert Leshner [threatened to doxx users](https://decrypt.co/82387/defi-community-blasts-compound-ceo-for-doxxed-comment) who didn't return COMP tokens after a protocol bug. > > - "Code is law. Unless we fuck up. Then we call the IRS on you." said [Blockstream CSO Samson Mow](https://nitter.com/Excellion/status/1443875126982840330). > > - Another concern would be seemingly decentralized platforms like Bancor having backdoors and the ability to freeze user funds ([which they did after a hack](https://techcrunch.com/2018/07/10/bancor-loses-23-5m/)). > > - [As LTC founder Charlie Lee stated](https://nitter.com/SatoshiLite/status/1016499756158234624): > > >"An exchange is not decentralized if it can lose customer funds OR if it can freeze customer funds. Bancor can do BOTH. It's a false sense of decentralization." > > - [Or, as DOGE founder Jackson Palmer commented](https://medium.datadriveninvestor.com/the-lessons-learned-from-a-false-sense-of-decentralization-875b8c2731a6): > > >“The key thing here is not the hack itself — it’s the fact the Bancor team had the ability to freeze funds. How many other “decentralized” DApps have a built-in kill switch that’s centrally controlled?” > > - In removing gatekeepers and intermediaries, DEXs and AMMs promise a more level financial playing field than the permissioned, opaque system of centralized finance. > > - However, even when governance of an open source platform is 'fair' and decentralized, DEX users are exposed to some of the same financial shenanigans inherent to CeFi, [such as front running](https://www.paradigm.xyz/2020/08/ethereum-is-a-dark-forest/). > > - There is no need for practices like [Robinhood's payment for order flow](https://web.archive.org/web/20210729220645/https://www.wsj.com/articles/robinhoods-debut-is-clouded-by-sec-scrutiny-of-payment-for-order-flow-11625655600) when trades are publicly broadcasted for the world to see: > > - "[Decentralized exchanges make it easier for anyone to exploit temporary market inefficiencies for a profit. In other words, it’s easier to front-run the market](https://blog.gnosis.pm/decentralized-exchanges-have-a-problem-7e6d81d91ba1)." > > > - "[Trades on decentralized exchanges \(DEX\) are sitting ducks while they remain idle in the processing queue. A small cohort of developers can and do take advantage of this lag time between hitting the trade button and the trade executing on-chain by front-running, back-running or 'sandwiching' a transaction.](https://www.yahoo.com/now/bad-sandwich-defi-trader-poisons-153336603.html)" > > > ##With mediocre UX comes great responsibility > > - DEXs are often not newbie friendly > > - There is a learning curve to self-custodying and creating a web wallet > > - Because of the immutability of blockchain transactions, it can be [easy for even savvy traders to learn an expensive lesson about human error](https://np.reddit.com/r/ethtrader/comments/jo7lj2/help_needed_i_payed_235172_eth_9500_for_120/) > > - The process can be further intimidating when attempting to[ bridge assets on sidechains and L2s](https://ethhole.link/layer2) (and it is precisely smaller, newer traders who benefit most from[ lower fees](https://l2fees.info/)) > > - So it's not surprising that [many users - especially new market participants - would prefer to accept the counterparty risk of a custodial exchange](https://cointelegraph.com/news/coinbase-regains-1-position-on-apple-app-store-as-crypto-com-jumps-to-third) in return for a consumer oriented and streamlined user experience: > > - Given lack of KYC/AML, the majority of DEXs do not allow for onboarding/offboarding fiat and require users to touch a centralized exchange at some point if they want to get money in or out of 'the system'. > > - To go back to the Compound bug, Leshner clarified that his 'doxx' comment was in reference to DeFi users' interactions with centralized exchanges: > > > "[He said that anyone could identify the public Ethereum addresses that interact with the Compound protocol, and whether they engaged with popular exchanges like Coinbase that collect information about users.](https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/04/business/dealbook/facebook-whistleblower-frances-haugen.html)" > > - Few DEXs natively offer the same level of trading functionality as centralized exchanges (e.g. limit orders, stop losses). > > - While centralized exchange users are primarily concerned with fees and spread, DEX users must also familiarize themselves with concepts like [slippage](https://academy.shrimpy.io/post/what-is-slippage-how-to-avoid-slippage-on-defi-exchanges) and [impermanent loss](https://academy.binance.com/en/articles/impermanent-loss-explained) > > - As the market becomes more saturated with DEX platforms and aggregators, it can be difficult for a lay user to evaluate competing promises of trustlessness and decentralization - or recognize when they're being exploited. > > - [Exit scams and rugpulls are prolific](https://decrypt.co/55787/defi-rug-pulls-were-cryptos-top-fraud-scheme-in-2020-ciphertrace) - newbies may find it challenging to verify if a DEX is legitimate, especially when dev teams are anonymous and many users lack technical proficiency to audit the protocol/smart contracts themselves. > > - While hacks and phishing risks aren't limited to DEXs, they expose [users to additional attack vectors](https://coinmarketcap.com/alexandria/article/how-to-identify-and-avoid-uniswap-scams): > > > - Given [the ease of creating \(copy/pasting\) and listing a token](https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/05/business/hype-coins-cryptocurrency.html), it's no surprise that scamcoins abound on DEXs, many of which [spoof legitimacy](https://twitter.com/uniwhalesio/status/1357785710896545792). > > - E.g., [researchers identified over 10K scam tokens and scam liquidity pools on Uniswap V2](https://arxiv.org/abs/2109.00229). > > - Or check out [this recent attack which shows how Uniswap v3 liquidity pools can be manipulated](https://twitter.com/Mudit__Gupta/status/1455627465678749696). > > - More sinister is when [developers tweak the token contract to take your assets](https://twitter.com/r0bster97/status/1338182571558055937) or [remove a token's approval function](https://cryptot3ddybear.github.io/posts/scam-explained-bsc-noapproval/), preventing you from dumping the scamcoin you just bought. > ... ***** Would you like to learn more? [Click here](/r/CointestOfficial/comments/r6rt5n/general_concepts_round_dex_conarguments_december/) to be taken to the original topic-thread or you can scan through the [Cointest Archive](/r/CointestOfficial/wiki/cointest_archive#wiki_DEX) to find arguments on this topic in other rounds. Since this is a con-argument, what could be a better time to promote the Skeptics Discussion thread? You can find the latest thread [here](/r/CryptoCurrency/comments/10m6lv1/daily_general_discussion_january_27_2023_gmt0/).

CointestMod

#DEX Con-Arguments Below is an argument written by MrMoustacheMan which won 1st place in the DEX Con-Arguments topic for a prior [Cointest](/r/CointestOfficial/wiki/cointest_policy) round. > #DEX - Con Argument > > Reusing my previous entry [from here](https://np.reddit.com/r/CryptoCurrency/comments/pfos3j/rcc_cointest_general_concepts_dex_conarguments/hdw1d32/). > > *Disclosure - I currently hold several DEX governance tokens, ~5% of my current portfolio value* > > ##What are decentralized exchanges and automated market makers? > > * (1) Intro: https://decrypt.co/resources/what-is-decentralized-exchange-dex > > * (2) Vitalik's original Reddit post: https://np.reddit.com/r/ethereum/comments/55m04x/lets_run_onchain_decentralized_exchanges_the_way/ > > ##DEX caveats > > I'm extremely bullish on [DeFi](https://decrypt.co/resources/defi-ultimate-beginners-guide-decentralized-finance) and believe DEXs specifically hold great promise in terms of: reducing counterparty risk, preserving anonymity and removing barriers to entry for users looking to trade and earn yield. > > That being said, there are some tradeoffs and limitations of interacting with DEXs to be aware of: > > ##Yo dawg, I heard you like decentralization > > - Decentralization can refer [to the protocol itself or to the governance and development of the protocol/platform](https://miro.medium.com/max/1304/0*epCTOVyxEmQq-AiU). > > - [Decentralization is a spectrum](https://nopara73.medium.com/few-words-on-decentralization-and-anonymous-payments-160782d30b9e) rather than a binary distinction. So a DEX may be [decentralized in some ways but centralized in others](https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2018/07/23/decentralized-exchanges-arent-living-up-to-their-name-and-data-proves-it/). Governance and developer control of a platform, for example, can vary wildly: > > >“Some have large control over their direction, others are governed by venture capital investors, and others have broader communities that vote in changes like an open source project.” > \- [Lex Sokolin, CMO and Global Fintech Co-Head, ConsenSys](https://cryptonews.com/exclusives/why-defi-isn-t-always-as-decentralized-as-you-might-think-7695.htm) > > - Users in the [Uniswap Con Cointest thread](https://np.reddit.com/r/CryptoCurrency/comments/og2r4t/rcryptocurrency_cointest_top_10_category_uniswap/) have articulated many of their concerns about whales and VC interests dominating UNI governance politics. > > - But I'll repeat the example of [Uniswap's unilateral decision to delist tokens](https://decrypt.co/76793/ethrereum-dex-uniswap-drops-tokenized-stocks-as-regulators-close-in) after facing regulatory scrutiny from the SEC. Even if a certain protocol is decentralized, the team can take actions to limit access. > > - Similarly, the DeFi community was not too pleased when Compound CEO Robert Leshner [threatened to doxx users](https://decrypt.co/82387/defi-community-blasts-compound-ceo-for-doxxed-comment) who didn't return COMP tokens after a protocol bug. > > - "Code is law. Unless we fuck up. Then we call the IRS on you." said [Blockstream CSO Samson Mow](https://nitter.com/Excellion/status/1443875126982840330). > > - Another concern would be seemingly decentralized platforms like Bancor having backdoors and the ability to freeze user funds ([which they did after a hack](https://techcrunch.com/2018/07/10/bancor-loses-23-5m/)). > > - [As LTC founder Charlie Lee stated](https://nitter.com/SatoshiLite/status/1016499756158234624): > > >"An exchange is not decentralized if it can lose customer funds OR if it can freeze customer funds. Bancor can do BOTH. It's a false sense of decentralization." > > - [Or, as DOGE founder Jackson Palmer commented](https://medium.datadriveninvestor.com/the-lessons-learned-from-a-false-sense-of-decentralization-875b8c2731a6): > > >“The key thing here is not the hack itself — it’s the fact the Bancor team had the ability to freeze funds. How many other “decentralized” DApps have a built-in kill switch that’s centrally controlled?” > > - In removing gatekeepers and intermediaries, DEXs and AMMs promise a more level financial playing field than the permissioned, opaque system of centralized finance. > > - However, even when governance of an open source platform is 'fair' and decentralized, DEX users are exposed to some of the same financial shenanigans inherent to CeFi, [such as front running](https://www.paradigm.xyz/2020/08/ethereum-is-a-dark-forest/). > > - There is no need for practices like [Robinhood's payment for order flow](https://web.archive.org/web/20210729220645/https://www.wsj.com/articles/robinhoods-debut-is-clouded-by-sec-scrutiny-of-payment-for-order-flow-11625655600) when trades are publicly broadcasted for the world to see: > > - "[Decentralized exchanges make it easier for anyone to exploit temporary market inefficiencies for a profit. In other words, it’s easier to front-run the market](https://blog.gnosis.pm/decentralized-exchanges-have-a-problem-7e6d81d91ba1)." > > > - "[Trades on decentralized exchanges \(DEX\) are sitting ducks while they remain idle in the processing queue. A small cohort of developers can and do take advantage of this lag time between hitting the trade button and the trade executing on-chain by front-running, back-running or 'sandwiching' a transaction.](https://www.yahoo.com/now/bad-sandwich-defi-trader-poisons-153336603.html)" > > > ##With mediocre UX comes great responsibility > > - DEXs are often not newbie friendly > > - There is a learning curve to self-custodying and creating a web wallet > > - Because of the immutability of blockchain transactions, it can be [easy for even savvy traders to learn an expensive lesson about human error](https://np.reddit.com/r/ethtrader/comments/jo7lj2/help_needed_i_payed_235172_eth_9500_for_120/) > > - The process can be further intimidating when attempting to[ bridge assets on sidechains and L2s](https://ethhole.link/layer2) (and it is precisely smaller, newer traders who benefit most from[ lower fees](https://l2fees.info/)) > > - So it's not surprising that [many users - especially new market participants - would prefer to accept the counterparty risk of a custodial exchange](https://cointelegraph.com/news/coinbase-regains-1-position-on-apple-app-store-as-crypto-com-jumps-to-third) in return for a consumer oriented and streamlined user experience: > > - Given lack of KYC/AML, the majority of DEXs do not allow for onboarding/offboarding fiat and require users to touch a centralized exchange at some point if they want to get money in or out of 'the system'. > > - To go back to the Compound bug, Leshner clarified that his 'doxx' comment was in reference to DeFi users' interactions with centralized exchanges: > > > "[He said that anyone could identify the public Ethereum addresses that interact with the Compound protocol, and whether they engaged with popular exchanges like Coinbase that collect information about users.](https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/04/business/dealbook/facebook-whistleblower-frances-haugen.html)" > > - Few DEXs natively offer the same level of trading functionality as centralized exchanges (e.g. limit orders, stop losses). > > - While centralized exchange users are primarily concerned with fees and spread, DEX users must also familiarize themselves with concepts like [slippage](https://academy.shrimpy.io/post/what-is-slippage-how-to-avoid-slippage-on-defi-exchanges) and [impermanent loss](https://academy.binance.com/en/articles/impermanent-loss-explained) > > - As the market becomes more saturated with DEX platforms and aggregators, it can be difficult for a lay user to evaluate competing promises of trustlessness and decentralization - or recognize when they're being exploited. > > - [Exit scams and rugpulls are prolific](https://decrypt.co/55787/defi-rug-pulls-were-cryptos-top-fraud-scheme-in-2020-ciphertrace) - newbies may find it challenging to verify if a DEX is legitimate, especially when dev teams are anonymous and many users lack technical proficiency to audit the protocol/smart contracts themselves. > > - While hacks and phishing risks aren't limited to DEXs, they expose [users to additional attack vectors](https://coinmarketcap.com/alexandria/article/how-to-identify-and-avoid-uniswap-scams): > > > - Given [the ease of creating \(copy/pasting\) and listing a token](https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/05/business/hype-coins-cryptocurrency.html), it's no surprise that scamcoins abound on DEXs, many of which [spoof legitimacy](https://twitter.com/uniwhalesio/status/1357785710896545792). > > - E.g., [researchers identified over 10K scam tokens and scam liquidity pools on Uniswap V2](https://arxiv.org/abs/2109.00229). > > - Or check out [this recent attack which shows how Uniswap v3 liquidity pools can be manipulated](https://twitter.com/Mudit__Gupta/status/1455627465678749696). > > - More sinister is when [developers tweak the token contract to take your assets](https://twitter.com/r0bster97/status/1338182571558055937) or [remove a token's approval function](https://cryptot3ddybear.github.io/posts/scam-explained-bsc-noapproval/), preventing you from dumping the scamcoin you just bought. > ... ***** Would you like to learn more? [Click here](/r/CointestOfficial/comments/r6rt5n/general_concepts_round_dex_conarguments_december/) to be taken to the original topic-thread or you can scan through the [Cointest Archive](/r/CointestOfficial/wiki/cointest_archive#wiki_DEX) to find arguments on this topic in other rounds. Since this is a con-argument, what could be a better time to promote the Skeptics Discussion thread? You can find the latest thread [here](/r/CryptoCurrency/comments/10ldwad/daily_general_discussion_january_26_2023_gmt0/).

CointestMod

#DEX Con-Arguments Below is an argument written by MrMoustacheMan which won 1st place in the DEX Con-Arguments topic for a prior [Cointest](/r/CointestOfficial/wiki/cointest_policy) round. > #DEX - Con Argument > > Reusing my previous entry [from here](https://np.reddit.com/r/CryptoCurrency/comments/pfos3j/rcc_cointest_general_concepts_dex_conarguments/hdw1d32/). > > *Disclosure - I currently hold several DEX governance tokens, ~5% of my current portfolio value* > > ##What are decentralized exchanges and automated market makers? > > * (1) Intro: https://decrypt.co/resources/what-is-decentralized-exchange-dex > > * (2) Vitalik's original Reddit post: https://np.reddit.com/r/ethereum/comments/55m04x/lets_run_onchain_decentralized_exchanges_the_way/ > > ##DEX caveats > > I'm extremely bullish on [DeFi](https://decrypt.co/resources/defi-ultimate-beginners-guide-decentralized-finance) and believe DEXs specifically hold great promise in terms of: reducing counterparty risk, preserving anonymity and removing barriers to entry for users looking to trade and earn yield. > > That being said, there are some tradeoffs and limitations of interacting with DEXs to be aware of: > > ##Yo dawg, I heard you like decentralization > > - Decentralization can refer [to the protocol itself or to the governance and development of the protocol/platform](https://miro.medium.com/max/1304/0*epCTOVyxEmQq-AiU). > > - [Decentralization is a spectrum](https://nopara73.medium.com/few-words-on-decentralization-and-anonymous-payments-160782d30b9e) rather than a binary distinction. So a DEX may be [decentralized in some ways but centralized in others](https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2018/07/23/decentralized-exchanges-arent-living-up-to-their-name-and-data-proves-it/). Governance and developer control of a platform, for example, can vary wildly: > > >“Some have large control over their direction, others are governed by venture capital investors, and others have broader communities that vote in changes like an open source project.” > \- [Lex Sokolin, CMO and Global Fintech Co-Head, ConsenSys](https://cryptonews.com/exclusives/why-defi-isn-t-always-as-decentralized-as-you-might-think-7695.htm) > > - Users in the [Uniswap Con Cointest thread](https://np.reddit.com/r/CryptoCurrency/comments/og2r4t/rcryptocurrency_cointest_top_10_category_uniswap/) have articulated many of their concerns about whales and VC interests dominating UNI governance politics. > > - But I'll repeat the example of [Uniswap's unilateral decision to delist tokens](https://decrypt.co/76793/ethrereum-dex-uniswap-drops-tokenized-stocks-as-regulators-close-in) after facing regulatory scrutiny from the SEC. Even if a certain protocol is decentralized, the team can take actions to limit access. > > - Similarly, the DeFi community was not too pleased when Compound CEO Robert Leshner [threatened to doxx users](https://decrypt.co/82387/defi-community-blasts-compound-ceo-for-doxxed-comment) who didn't return COMP tokens after a protocol bug. > > - "Code is law. Unless we fuck up. Then we call the IRS on you." said [Blockstream CSO Samson Mow](https://nitter.com/Excellion/status/1443875126982840330). > > - Another concern would be seemingly decentralized platforms like Bancor having backdoors and the ability to freeze user funds ([which they did after a hack](https://techcrunch.com/2018/07/10/bancor-loses-23-5m/)). > > - [As LTC founder Charlie Lee stated](https://nitter.com/SatoshiLite/status/1016499756158234624): > > >"An exchange is not decentralized if it can lose customer funds OR if it can freeze customer funds. Bancor can do BOTH. It's a false sense of decentralization." > > - [Or, as DOGE founder Jackson Palmer commented](https://medium.datadriveninvestor.com/the-lessons-learned-from-a-false-sense-of-decentralization-875b8c2731a6): > > >“The key thing here is not the hack itself — it’s the fact the Bancor team had the ability to freeze funds. How many other “decentralized” DApps have a built-in kill switch that’s centrally controlled?” > > - In removing gatekeepers and intermediaries, DEXs and AMMs promise a more level financial playing field than the permissioned, opaque system of centralized finance. > > - However, even when governance of an open source platform is 'fair' and decentralized, DEX users are exposed to some of the same financial shenanigans inherent to CeFi, [such as front running](https://www.paradigm.xyz/2020/08/ethereum-is-a-dark-forest/). > > - There is no need for practices like [Robinhood's payment for order flow](https://web.archive.org/web/20210729220645/https://www.wsj.com/articles/robinhoods-debut-is-clouded-by-sec-scrutiny-of-payment-for-order-flow-11625655600) when trades are publicly broadcasted for the world to see: > > - "[Decentralized exchanges make it easier for anyone to exploit temporary market inefficiencies for a profit. In other words, it’s easier to front-run the market](https://blog.gnosis.pm/decentralized-exchanges-have-a-problem-7e6d81d91ba1)." > > > - "[Trades on decentralized exchanges \(DEX\) are sitting ducks while they remain idle in the processing queue. A small cohort of developers can and do take advantage of this lag time between hitting the trade button and the trade executing on-chain by front-running, back-running or 'sandwiching' a transaction.](https://www.yahoo.com/now/bad-sandwich-defi-trader-poisons-153336603.html)" > > > ##With mediocre UX comes great responsibility > > - DEXs are often not newbie friendly > > - There is a learning curve to self-custodying and creating a web wallet > > - Because of the immutability of blockchain transactions, it can be [easy for even savvy traders to learn an expensive lesson about human error](https://np.reddit.com/r/ethtrader/comments/jo7lj2/help_needed_i_payed_235172_eth_9500_for_120/) > > - The process can be further intimidating when attempting to[ bridge assets on sidechains and L2s](https://ethhole.link/layer2) (and it is precisely smaller, newer traders who benefit most from[ lower fees](https://l2fees.info/)) > > - So it's not surprising that [many users - especially new market participants - would prefer to accept the counterparty risk of a custodial exchange](https://cointelegraph.com/news/coinbase-regains-1-position-on-apple-app-store-as-crypto-com-jumps-to-third) in return for a consumer oriented and streamlined user experience: > > - Given lack of KYC/AML, the majority of DEXs do not allow for onboarding/offboarding fiat and require users to touch a centralized exchange at some point if they want to get money in or out of 'the system'. > > - To go back to the Compound bug, Leshner clarified that his 'doxx' comment was in reference to DeFi users' interactions with centralized exchanges: > > > "[He said that anyone could identify the public Ethereum addresses that interact with the Compound protocol, and whether they engaged with popular exchanges like Coinbase that collect information about users.](https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/04/business/dealbook/facebook-whistleblower-frances-haugen.html)" > > - Few DEXs natively offer the same level of trading functionality as centralized exchanges (e.g. limit orders, stop losses). > > - While centralized exchange users are primarily concerned with fees and spread, DEX users must also familiarize themselves with concepts like [slippage](https://academy.shrimpy.io/post/what-is-slippage-how-to-avoid-slippage-on-defi-exchanges) and [impermanent loss](https://academy.binance.com/en/articles/impermanent-loss-explained) > > - As the market becomes more saturated with DEX platforms and aggregators, it can be difficult for a lay user to evaluate competing promises of trustlessness and decentralization - or recognize when they're being exploited. > > - [Exit scams and rugpulls are prolific](https://decrypt.co/55787/defi-rug-pulls-were-cryptos-top-fraud-scheme-in-2020-ciphertrace) - newbies may find it challenging to verify if a DEX is legitimate, especially when dev teams are anonymous and many users lack technical proficiency to audit the protocol/smart contracts themselves. > > - While hacks and phishing risks aren't limited to DEXs, they expose [users to additional attack vectors](https://coinmarketcap.com/alexandria/article/how-to-identify-and-avoid-uniswap-scams): > > > - Given [the ease of creating \(copy/pasting\) and listing a token](https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/05/business/hype-coins-cryptocurrency.html), it's no surprise that scamcoins abound on DEXs, many of which [spoof legitimacy](https://twitter.com/uniwhalesio/status/1357785710896545792). > > - E.g., [researchers identified over 10K scam tokens and scam liquidity pools on Uniswap V2](https://arxiv.org/abs/2109.00229). > > - Or check out [this recent attack which shows how Uniswap v3 liquidity pools can be manipulated](https://twitter.com/Mudit__Gupta/status/1455627465678749696). > > - More sinister is when [developers tweak the token contract to take your assets](https://twitter.com/r0bster97/status/1338182571558055937) or [remove a token's approval function](https://cryptot3ddybear.github.io/posts/scam-explained-bsc-noapproval/), preventing you from dumping the scamcoin you just bought. > ... ***** Would you like to learn more? [Click here](/r/CointestOfficial/comments/r6rt5n/general_concepts_round_dex_conarguments_december/) to be taken to the original topic-thread or you can scan through the [Cointest Archive](/r/CointestOfficial/wiki/cointest_archive#wiki_DEX) to find arguments on this topic in other rounds. Since this is a con-argument, what could be a better time to promote the Skeptics Discussion thread? You can find the latest thread [here](/r/CryptoCurrency/comments/10fmn05/daily_general_discussion_january_19_2023_gmt0/).

CointestMod

#DEX Con-Arguments Below is an argument written by MrMoustacheMan which won 1st place in the DEX Con-Arguments topic for a prior [Cointest](/r/CointestOfficial/wiki/cointest_policy) round. > #DEX - Con Argument > > Reusing my previous entry [from here](https://np.reddit.com/r/CryptoCurrency/comments/pfos3j/rcc_cointest_general_concepts_dex_conarguments/hdw1d32/). > > *Disclosure - I currently hold several DEX governance tokens, ~5% of my current portfolio value* > > ##What are decentralized exchanges and automated market makers? > > * (1) Intro: https://decrypt.co/resources/what-is-decentralized-exchange-dex > > * (2) Vitalik's original Reddit post: https://np.reddit.com/r/ethereum/comments/55m04x/lets_run_onchain_decentralized_exchanges_the_way/ > > ##DEX caveats > > I'm extremely bullish on [DeFi](https://decrypt.co/resources/defi-ultimate-beginners-guide-decentralized-finance) and believe DEXs specifically hold great promise in terms of: reducing counterparty risk, preserving anonymity and removing barriers to entry for users looking to trade and earn yield. > > That being said, there are some tradeoffs and limitations of interacting with DEXs to be aware of: > > ##Yo dawg, I heard you like decentralization > > - Decentralization can refer [to the protocol itself or to the governance and development of the protocol/platform](https://miro.medium.com/max/1304/0*epCTOVyxEmQq-AiU). > > - [Decentralization is a spectrum](https://nopara73.medium.com/few-words-on-decentralization-and-anonymous-payments-160782d30b9e) rather than a binary distinction. So a DEX may be [decentralized in some ways but centralized in others](https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2018/07/23/decentralized-exchanges-arent-living-up-to-their-name-and-data-proves-it/). Governance and developer control of a platform, for example, can vary wildly: > > >“Some have large control over their direction, others are governed by venture capital investors, and others have broader communities that vote in changes like an open source project.” > \- [Lex Sokolin, CMO and Global Fintech Co-Head, ConsenSys](https://cryptonews.com/exclusives/why-defi-isn-t-always-as-decentralized-as-you-might-think-7695.htm) > > - Users in the [Uniswap Con Cointest thread](https://np.reddit.com/r/CryptoCurrency/comments/og2r4t/rcryptocurrency_cointest_top_10_category_uniswap/) have articulated many of their concerns about whales and VC interests dominating UNI governance politics. > > - But I'll repeat the example of [Uniswap's unilateral decision to delist tokens](https://decrypt.co/76793/ethrereum-dex-uniswap-drops-tokenized-stocks-as-regulators-close-in) after facing regulatory scrutiny from the SEC. Even if a certain protocol is decentralized, the team can take actions to limit access. > > - Similarly, the DeFi community was not too pleased when Compound CEO Robert Leshner [threatened to doxx users](https://decrypt.co/82387/defi-community-blasts-compound-ceo-for-doxxed-comment) who didn't return COMP tokens after a protocol bug. > > - "Code is law. Unless we fuck up. Then we call the IRS on you." said [Blockstream CSO Samson Mow](https://nitter.com/Excellion/status/1443875126982840330). > > - Another concern would be seemingly decentralized platforms like Bancor having backdoors and the ability to freeze user funds ([which they did after a hack](https://techcrunch.com/2018/07/10/bancor-loses-23-5m/)). > > - [As LTC founder Charlie Lee stated](https://nitter.com/SatoshiLite/status/1016499756158234624): > > >"An exchange is not decentralized if it can lose customer funds OR if it can freeze customer funds. Bancor can do BOTH. It's a false sense of decentralization." > > - [Or, as DOGE founder Jackson Palmer commented](https://medium.datadriveninvestor.com/the-lessons-learned-from-a-false-sense-of-decentralization-875b8c2731a6): > > >“The key thing here is not the hack itself — it’s the fact the Bancor team had the ability to freeze funds. How many other “decentralized” DApps have a built-in kill switch that’s centrally controlled?” > > - In removing gatekeepers and intermediaries, DEXs and AMMs promise a more level financial playing field than the permissioned, opaque system of centralized finance. > > - However, even when governance of an open source platform is 'fair' and decentralized, DEX users are exposed to some of the same financial shenanigans inherent to CeFi, [such as front running](https://www.paradigm.xyz/2020/08/ethereum-is-a-dark-forest/). > > - There is no need for practices like [Robinhood's payment for order flow](https://web.archive.org/web/20210729220645/https://www.wsj.com/articles/robinhoods-debut-is-clouded-by-sec-scrutiny-of-payment-for-order-flow-11625655600) when trades are publicly broadcasted for the world to see: > > - "[Decentralized exchanges make it easier for anyone to exploit temporary market inefficiencies for a profit. In other words, it’s easier to front-run the market](https://blog.gnosis.pm/decentralized-exchanges-have-a-problem-7e6d81d91ba1)." > > > - "[Trades on decentralized exchanges \(DEX\) are sitting ducks while they remain idle in the processing queue. A small cohort of developers can and do take advantage of this lag time between hitting the trade button and the trade executing on-chain by front-running, back-running or 'sandwiching' a transaction.](https://www.yahoo.com/now/bad-sandwich-defi-trader-poisons-153336603.html)" > > > ##With mediocre UX comes great responsibility > > - DEXs are often not newbie friendly > > - There is a learning curve to self-custodying and creating a web wallet > > - Because of the immutability of blockchain transactions, it can be [easy for even savvy traders to learn an expensive lesson about human error](https://np.reddit.com/r/ethtrader/comments/jo7lj2/help_needed_i_payed_235172_eth_9500_for_120/) > > - The process can be further intimidating when attempting to[ bridge assets on sidechains and L2s](https://ethhole.link/layer2) (and it is precisely smaller, newer traders who benefit most from[ lower fees](https://l2fees.info/)) > > - So it's not surprising that [many users - especially new market participants - would prefer to accept the counterparty risk of a custodial exchange](https://cointelegraph.com/news/coinbase-regains-1-position-on-apple-app-store-as-crypto-com-jumps-to-third) in return for a consumer oriented and streamlined user experience: > > - Given lack of KYC/AML, the majority of DEXs do not allow for onboarding/offboarding fiat and require users to touch a centralized exchange at some point if they want to get money in or out of 'the system'. > > - To go back to the Compound bug, Leshner clarified that his 'doxx' comment was in reference to DeFi users' interactions with centralized exchanges: > > > "[He said that anyone could identify the public Ethereum addresses that interact with the Compound protocol, and whether they engaged with popular exchanges like Coinbase that collect information about users.](https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/04/business/dealbook/facebook-whistleblower-frances-haugen.html)" > > - Few DEXs natively offer the same level of trading functionality as centralized exchanges (e.g. limit orders, stop losses). > > - While centralized exchange users are primarily concerned with fees and spread, DEX users must also familiarize themselves with concepts like [slippage](https://academy.shrimpy.io/post/what-is-slippage-how-to-avoid-slippage-on-defi-exchanges) and [impermanent loss](https://academy.binance.com/en/articles/impermanent-loss-explained) > > - As the market becomes more saturated with DEX platforms and aggregators, it can be difficult for a lay user to evaluate competing promises of trustlessness and decentralization - or recognize when they're being exploited. > > - [Exit scams and rugpulls are prolific](https://decrypt.co/55787/defi-rug-pulls-were-cryptos-top-fraud-scheme-in-2020-ciphertrace) - newbies may find it challenging to verify if a DEX is legitimate, especially when dev teams are anonymous and many users lack technical proficiency to audit the protocol/smart contracts themselves. > > - While hacks and phishing risks aren't limited to DEXs, they expose [users to additional attack vectors](https://coinmarketcap.com/alexandria/article/how-to-identify-and-avoid-uniswap-scams): > > > - Given [the ease of creating \(copy/pasting\) and listing a token](https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/05/business/hype-coins-cryptocurrency.html), it's no surprise that scamcoins abound on DEXs, many of which [spoof legitimacy](https://twitter.com/uniwhalesio/status/1357785710896545792). > > - E.g., [researchers identified over 10K scam tokens and scam liquidity pools on Uniswap V2](https://arxiv.org/abs/2109.00229). > > - Or check out [this recent attack which shows how Uniswap v3 liquidity pools can be manipulated](https://twitter.com/Mudit__Gupta/status/1455627465678749696). > > - More sinister is when [developers tweak the token contract to take your assets](https://twitter.com/r0bster97/status/1338182571558055937) or [remove a token's approval function](https://cryptot3ddybear.github.io/posts/scam-explained-bsc-noapproval/), preventing you from dumping the scamcoin you just bought. > ... ***** Would you like to learn more? [Click here](/r/CointestOfficial/comments/r6rt5n/general_concepts_round_dex_conarguments_december/) to be taken to the original topic-thread or you can scan through the [Cointest Archive](/r/CointestOfficial/wiki/cointest_archive#wiki_DEX) to find arguments on this topic in other rounds. Since this is a con-argument, what could be a better time to promote the Skeptics Discussion thread? You can find the latest thread [here](/r/CryptoCurrency/comments/10fmn05/daily_general_discussion_january_19_2023_gmt0/).

CointestMod

#DEX Con-Arguments Below is an argument written by MrMoustacheMan which won 1st place in the DEX Con-Arguments topic for a prior [Cointest](/r/CointestOfficial/wiki/cointest_policy) round. > #DEX - Con Argument > > Reusing my previous entry [from here](https://np.reddit.com/r/CryptoCurrency/comments/pfos3j/rcc_cointest_general_concepts_dex_conarguments/hdw1d32/). > > *Disclosure - I currently hold several DEX governance tokens, ~5% of my current portfolio value* > > ##What are decentralized exchanges and automated market makers? > > * (1) Intro: https://decrypt.co/resources/what-is-decentralized-exchange-dex > > * (2) Vitalik's original Reddit post: https://np.reddit.com/r/ethereum/comments/55m04x/lets_run_onchain_decentralized_exchanges_the_way/ > > ##DEX caveats > > I'm extremely bullish on [DeFi](https://decrypt.co/resources/defi-ultimate-beginners-guide-decentralized-finance) and believe DEXs specifically hold great promise in terms of: reducing counterparty risk, preserving anonymity and removing barriers to entry for users looking to trade and earn yield. > > That being said, there are some tradeoffs and limitations of interacting with DEXs to be aware of: > > ##Yo dawg, I heard you like decentralization > > - Decentralization can refer [to the protocol itself or to the governance and development of the protocol/platform](https://miro.medium.com/max/1304/0*epCTOVyxEmQq-AiU). > > - [Decentralization is a spectrum](https://nopara73.medium.com/few-words-on-decentralization-and-anonymous-payments-160782d30b9e) rather than a binary distinction. So a DEX may be [decentralized in some ways but centralized in others](https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2018/07/23/decentralized-exchanges-arent-living-up-to-their-name-and-data-proves-it/). Governance and developer control of a platform, for example, can vary wildly: > > >“Some have large control over their direction, others are governed by venture capital investors, and others have broader communities that vote in changes like an open source project.” > \- [Lex Sokolin, CMO and Global Fintech Co-Head, ConsenSys](https://cryptonews.com/exclusives/why-defi-isn-t-always-as-decentralized-as-you-might-think-7695.htm) > > - Users in the [Uniswap Con Cointest thread](https://np.reddit.com/r/CryptoCurrency/comments/og2r4t/rcryptocurrency_cointest_top_10_category_uniswap/) have articulated many of their concerns about whales and VC interests dominating UNI governance politics. > > - But I'll repeat the example of [Uniswap's unilateral decision to delist tokens](https://decrypt.co/76793/ethrereum-dex-uniswap-drops-tokenized-stocks-as-regulators-close-in) after facing regulatory scrutiny from the SEC. Even if a certain protocol is decentralized, the team can take actions to limit access. > > - Similarly, the DeFi community was not too pleased when Compound CEO Robert Leshner [threatened to doxx users](https://decrypt.co/82387/defi-community-blasts-compound-ceo-for-doxxed-comment) who didn't return COMP tokens after a protocol bug. > > - "Code is law. Unless we fuck up. Then we call the IRS on you." said [Blockstream CSO Samson Mow](https://nitter.com/Excellion/status/1443875126982840330). > > - Another concern would be seemingly decentralized platforms like Bancor having backdoors and the ability to freeze user funds ([which they did after a hack](https://techcrunch.com/2018/07/10/bancor-loses-23-5m/)). > > - [As LTC founder Charlie Lee stated](https://nitter.com/SatoshiLite/status/1016499756158234624): > > >"An exchange is not decentralized if it can lose customer funds OR if it can freeze customer funds. Bancor can do BOTH. It's a false sense of decentralization." > > - [Or, as DOGE founder Jackson Palmer commented](https://medium.datadriveninvestor.com/the-lessons-learned-from-a-false-sense-of-decentralization-875b8c2731a6): > > >“The key thing here is not the hack itself — it’s the fact the Bancor team had the ability to freeze funds. How many other “decentralized” DApps have a built-in kill switch that’s centrally controlled?” > > - In removing gatekeepers and intermediaries, DEXs and AMMs promise a more level financial playing field than the permissioned, opaque system of centralized finance. > > - However, even when governance of an open source platform is 'fair' and decentralized, DEX users are exposed to some of the same financial shenanigans inherent to CeFi, [such as front running](https://www.paradigm.xyz/2020/08/ethereum-is-a-dark-forest/). > > - There is no need for practices like [Robinhood's payment for order flow](https://web.archive.org/web/20210729220645/https://www.wsj.com/articles/robinhoods-debut-is-clouded-by-sec-scrutiny-of-payment-for-order-flow-11625655600) when trades are publicly broadcasted for the world to see: > > - "[Decentralized exchanges make it easier for anyone to exploit temporary market inefficiencies for a profit. In other words, it’s easier to front-run the market](https://blog.gnosis.pm/decentralized-exchanges-have-a-problem-7e6d81d91ba1)." > > > - "[Trades on decentralized exchanges \(DEX\) are sitting ducks while they remain idle in the processing queue. A small cohort of developers can and do take advantage of this lag time between hitting the trade button and the trade executing on-chain by front-running, back-running or 'sandwiching' a transaction.](https://www.yahoo.com/now/bad-sandwich-defi-trader-poisons-153336603.html)" > > > ##With mediocre UX comes great responsibility > > - DEXs are often not newbie friendly > > - There is a learning curve to self-custodying and creating a web wallet > > - Because of the immutability of blockchain transactions, it can be [easy for even savvy traders to learn an expensive lesson about human error](https://np.reddit.com/r/ethtrader/comments/jo7lj2/help_needed_i_payed_235172_eth_9500_for_120/) > > - The process can be further intimidating when attempting to[ bridge assets on sidechains and L2s](https://ethhole.link/layer2) (and it is precisely smaller, newer traders who benefit most from[ lower fees](https://l2fees.info/)) > > - So it's not surprising that [many users - especially new market participants - would prefer to accept the counterparty risk of a custodial exchange](https://cointelegraph.com/news/coinbase-regains-1-position-on-apple-app-store-as-crypto-com-jumps-to-third) in return for a consumer oriented and streamlined user experience: > > - Given lack of KYC/AML, the majority of DEXs do not allow for onboarding/offboarding fiat and require users to touch a centralized exchange at some point if they want to get money in or out of 'the system'. > > - To go back to the Compound bug, Leshner clarified that his 'doxx' comment was in reference to DeFi users' interactions with centralized exchanges: > > > "[He said that anyone could identify the public Ethereum addresses that interact with the Compound protocol, and whether they engaged with popular exchanges like Coinbase that collect information about users.](https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/04/business/dealbook/facebook-whistleblower-frances-haugen.html)" > > - Few DEXs natively offer the same level of trading functionality as centralized exchanges (e.g. limit orders, stop losses). > > - While centralized exchange users are primarily concerned with fees and spread, DEX users must also familiarize themselves with concepts like [slippage](https://academy.shrimpy.io/post/what-is-slippage-how-to-avoid-slippage-on-defi-exchanges) and [impermanent loss](https://academy.binance.com/en/articles/impermanent-loss-explained) > > - As the market becomes more saturated with DEX platforms and aggregators, it can be difficult for a lay user to evaluate competing promises of trustlessness and decentralization - or recognize when they're being exploited. > > - [Exit scams and rugpulls are prolific](https://decrypt.co/55787/defi-rug-pulls-were-cryptos-top-fraud-scheme-in-2020-ciphertrace) - newbies may find it challenging to verify if a DEX is legitimate, especially when dev teams are anonymous and many users lack technical proficiency to audit the protocol/smart contracts themselves. > > - While hacks and phishing risks aren't limited to DEXs, they expose [users to additional attack vectors](https://coinmarketcap.com/alexandria/article/how-to-identify-and-avoid-uniswap-scams): > > > - Given [the ease of creating \(copy/pasting\) and listing a token](https://www.nytimes.com/2021/08/05/business/hype-coins-cryptocurrency.html), it's no surprise that scamcoins abound on DEXs, many of which [spoof legitimacy](https://twitter.com/uniwhalesio/status/1357785710896545792). > > - E.g., [researchers identified over 10K scam tokens and scam liquidity pools on Uniswap V2](https://arxiv.org/abs/2109.00229). > > - Or check out [this recent attack which shows how Uniswap v3 liquidity pools can be manipulated](https://twitter.com/Mudit__Gupta/status/1455627465678749696). > > - More sinister is when [developers tweak the token contract to take your assets](https://twitter.com/r0bster97/status/1338182571558055937) or [remove a token's approval function](https://cryptot3ddybear.github.io/posts/scam-explained-bsc-noapproval/), preventing you from dumping the scamcoin you just bought. > ... ***** Would you like to learn more? [Click here](/r/CointestOfficial/comments/r6rt5n/general_concepts_round_dex_conarguments_december/) to be taken to the original topic-thread or you can scan through the [Cointest Archive](/r/CointestOfficial/wiki/cointest_archive#wiki_DEX) to find arguments on this topic in other rounds. Since this is a con-argument, what could be a better time to promote the Skeptics Discussion thread? You can find the latest thread [here](/r/CryptoCurrency/comments/10dwvz3/daily_general_discussion_january_17_2023_gmt0/).

KryptoSC

True. Those are valid points. Currently, I don't think it has big incentives, but I believe (hope) it's a matter of time, before the Uniswap team looks at Binance's successful model of how they capitalized on BNB and will follow accordingly. Maybe they're waiting to have a bigger base of user??? When/if that happens, the price of UNI will move and I want to be in, early. Also, when I look at other DEXs, I'm not that convinced to grab their coins like, CAKE, SUSHI, MKR, COMP, CRV, etc. Idk, maybe someone here on this sub can make a good business case on why to hop on a particular DEX coin.